Flames sign Bouwmeester
D-man inks multi-year deal with Calgary
Tuesday, 30.06.2009 / 8:36 PM
/ News
calgaryflames.com
Calgary, AB - Calgary Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter announced today the signing of defenseman Jay Bouwmeester to a multi-year agreement.
The Flames acquired Bouwmeester on June 27, 2009 from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Jordan Leopold and the 67th pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
“Jay is one of the most complete defenseman in the game, and we are very pleased to have reached an agreement that will make him an important component of the Calgary Flames success,” said Sutter.
“We identified Jay as the priority player where we were going to focus our money. We wanted an opportunity a few days in advance of the deadline, and that’s why we made the move we did this past weekend.”
Bouwmeester, a native of Edmonton, AB, completed his sixth season with the Panthers in 08-09, recording 42 points with 15 goals and 27 assists.
The 6’4”, 213lb defenseman, considered one of the prize catches in this year's free agent crop, has notched 203 points in 471 career NHL games.
Bouwmeester was the Florida Panthers 1st round pick (3rd overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
“I am happy to have this deal done as Calgary was a team I was very interested in playing for. I was encouraged by the commitment Calgary showed by acquiring me prior to July 1,” said Bouwmeester.
“I am familiar with some of the players and believe we have a strong club that is poised to make the next step in becoming a championship club. I look forward to contributing to that success.”
The big defenceman was eligible for unrestricted free agency starting July 1. The Flames acquired Bouwmeester Saturday at the NHL Entry Draft in Montreal and by Monday Sutter and Bouwmeester and his representatives were meeting to discuss a potential deal.
Bouwmeester, 25, is expected to be among the defencemen invited to Team Canada's Olympic tryouts in Calgary in August.
The Flames will introduce Bouwmeester to media on Tuesday to formally announce the signing.
The Flames acquired Bouwmeester on June 27, 2009 from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Jordan Leopold and the 67th pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
“Jay is one of the most complete defenseman in the game, and we are very pleased to have reached an agreement that will make him an important component of the Calgary Flames success,” said Sutter.
“We identified Jay as the priority player where we were going to focus our money. We wanted an opportunity a few days in advance of the deadline, and that’s why we made the move we did this past weekend.”
Bouwmeester, a native of Edmonton, AB, completed his sixth season with the Panthers in 08-09, recording 42 points with 15 goals and 27 assists.
The 6’4”, 213lb defenseman, considered one of the prize catches in this year's free agent crop, has notched 203 points in 471 career NHL games.
Bouwmeester was the Florida Panthers 1st round pick (3rd overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
“I am happy to have this deal done as Calgary was a team I was very interested in playing for. I was encouraged by the commitment Calgary showed by acquiring me prior to July 1,” said Bouwmeester.
“I am familiar with some of the players and believe we have a strong club that is poised to make the next step in becoming a championship club. I look forward to contributing to that success.”
The big defenceman was eligible for unrestricted free agency starting July 1. The Flames acquired Bouwmeester Saturday at the NHL Entry Draft in Montreal and by Monday Sutter and Bouwmeester and his representatives were meeting to discuss a potential deal.
Bouwmeester, 25, is expected to be among the defencemen invited to Team Canada's Olympic tryouts in Calgary in August.
The Flames will introduce Bouwmeester to media on Tuesday to formally announce the signing.
