According to the Calgary Herald, Flames GM, Darryl Sutter, had the following to say about the deal: "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.  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, who has only played with the Florida Panthers in his six-year NHL career, had 15 goals and 27 assists in 82 games this season.  The Panthers acquired the rights to Jordan Leopold and a third round draft pick (they shoe Josh Birkholz). 

"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."

I’m sure this will be a huge change for him.  I don’t think the market in Florida is particularly strong for the hockey team but Calgary is known for their loyal and spirited fans.  While I’m sure he will appreciate the energy and support a strong fanbase can bring, it can also be hard to deal with if you’ve never really encountered it before.  Either way, I’m extremely excited about this deal and I can’t wait to see what he adds to the team.

image: TSN

Post from: Hockey Beat

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

Post from: Hockey Beat