Calgary Flames Sign Jay Bouwmeester to a Five-Year, $33 Million Contract

Jay Bouwmeester got his wish on Tuesday; a long-term contract worth a handsome sum.  After having his rights traded last Saturday from Florida to the Flames for defenseman Jordan Leopold and a third round pick, Bouwmeester met with Calgary management all week but finally came to a deal just before the deadline.

“Jay is one of the most complete defenseman in the game,” said Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter, “and we are very pleased to have reached an agreement that will make him an important component of the Calgary Flames success.”

This agreement will help bolster the Flames' defensive corps, but it leaves little with re-signing an important Flames forward.  Mike Cammalleri is coming off a career-year with the Flames, tearing the ice up with 82 points and being a top-center for Jarome Iginla's line all season.  After earning $3.6 million last season, Cammalleri is now expected to remain unsigned. 

The Flames did get a big defenseman to help workhorse Dion Phaneuf in game situations, which will help them in any long playoff run.  The team is expecting Oli Jokinen to step up and enjoy a great season at center to make up for the loss of Cammalleri, so this is a great deal that will help the Flames go deeper in the playoffs in 2010 and on.