The Flames also acquired the rights to Jay Bouwmeester who was traded by the Florida Panthers today in exchange for Jordan Leopold and a 2009 third-round draft pick.

“I’m as confident (in getting him signed) as any other time I go into any other negotiation,” said Calgary GM Darryl Sutter. “He’s 26-years-old, so I feel his best years are in front of him. But until we talk to him, I really couldn’t tell you anything else.  I haven’t spoken to Jay or his agent.  We just got the right to talk with him a short time ago, so once the draft is over, we’ll go back to Calgary and try to take that next step.”

Leopold had just returned to the Calgary lineup at the trade deadline.  I’ve been reading comments by people who feel that Leo and Bouwmeester’s value is similar but the main difference (to me) is that Bouwmeester brings a physical presence to the ice that Leo never could.  The Flames need a tough defenceman (I’m not even going to comment on how Dion Phaneuf has been performing lately) and I think, especially when you consider how many minutes this guy can log in a game, this could be a great acquisition for Calgary.

image: TSN

Post from: Hockey Beat