Calgary, AB - Calgary Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter announced today the signing of forward Ryan Stone.

Stone, a native of Calgary, Alberta, made his NHL debut in 2007-08 with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 25 year old centre has since gone on to play 35 NHL games with Pittsburgh and Edmonton and over 250 games in the American Hockey League.

A big point-producer in junior with the Brandon Wheat Kings, Stone has changed his game in the pros to one of a gritty player not afraid to make hits while being able to add a few points along the way.

He started last season by earning a spot with but injured his knee and underwent surgery. He is still rehabbing the knee but expects to get back on the ice in the next two weeks.

From there he wants to do the same thing he did last season -- force his way onto the roster.

"It is the same as a last year," Stone told The Fan 960 in an interview Wednesday morning."I almost have to force Calgary's hand. Come to camp in shape and do what I can do and see what happens."

The fact that players like Eric Nystom and Chris Higgins have left the Flames may help Stone find a spot n the roster. And that would mean playing in his home town.

"There were a few other teams but Calgary was the best fit for my family and friends. I'm very excited to play in front of family and friends," said Stone.

The 6'2", 200 pound centre was a member of the 2008 Calder Cup Finalist Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins accumulating five goals and 12 assists for 17 points in 22 games which was fifth on the team.

RYAN STONE

POSITION: Centre

BORN: Calgary, Alberta (March 20, 1985)

HEIGHT: 6'2"                 

WEIGHT: 200 lbs.

SHOOTS: Left

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed as free agent on July 7, 2010.

DRAFTED: Pittsburgh Penguins 2nd round (32nd overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft