Centinnal Hockey reports:
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 2008-09, recording 42 points with 15 goals and 27 assists. The 6’4″, 213 lbs. defenseman 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.”
There will be a media availability in the TELUS boardroom at the Pengrowth Saddledome on Wednesday, July 1st at 2:00pm. Please note that due to events on the Stampede grounds, parking and building access will be very limited so please allow plenty of time.
