Global News – CA – Calgary Flames Sign Josh Leivo

Calgary is certainly stoking the flames of rivalry with the Vancouver Canucks this offseason The Canucks have reiterated throughout the season that the reappointments of starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom and defensive pillar Chris Tanev were two of their biggest priorities this offseason Instead, both players signed with none other than division rival Flames. You can now add another name to that list After it was reported Thursday that Vancouver is still actively seeking a new contract with forward Josh Leivo, the Flames came out today and signed him, as was first reported Nick Kypreos of Line Movement This is a one-year, $ 875,000 contract, as confirmed in the team’s press release

Leivo, 27, hasn’t played since before Christmas after suffering a fractured kneecap in December Had it not been sidelined by the injury, Leivo would likely have had a year off. career and would have had a lot more free agent attention, which would have resulted in a larger contract, rather than settling for a one-year contract and lower pay In 36 games to open the season, the qualifying winger recorded 19 points It only got him five points behind his career record, but in 40 games less A player who generally opted for shots over passes still managed to showcase a new playing ability, setting a career high with 12 assists before his injury The Canucks played 69 games before the NHL was put on hiatus If Leivo had been in good health throughout the season, he would have finished with 36 points on the year It would have placed him sixth among agent forwards free in points

The Flames are hoping this move is more than just a shot at the Canucks If Leivo can return to the level of play he was showing before his injury, they could pay less than $ 1 million for a player with a 40 point advantage However, even if Leivo’s recovery is not complete early in the season, or he fails to regain his full potential this season, Calgary still has a talented last-sixth forward who can step in on offense. It’s hard to see this contract being anything more than a worthy bet for a team that needed to add another offensive edge to their advanced body

Does the van have more FA in there because if so there will be an announcement of flames at all times

@bigdaddyt – This just happened – Brad Treliving just announced the hiring of Jim Benning as part time Zamboni driver and part time EBUG… 🙂

Josh Leivo