As others have pointed out, he isn't slow.
As have been proven by others, he is really good in shoot-outs - that alone can get the Flames a couple of points in the standings, which may drastically alter who they face (or even if they make it in).
He can also face-punch with Lucic... and actually win.
He is also very motivated right now. You join a new team, and you want to make a difference. Plus, he just got picked up from waivers, and I am sure that is a wake-up call for him that he needs to perform better. He is a UFA this year, and will need solid play down the stretch to get another NHL contract.
If any of the above is wrong, you sit him, and he is still popular in the room.
I don't know what the downside is. He will be important for the Flames if they find themselves in a series against Anaheim, Winnipeg, LA... Flames do get pushed around, and this 'symbolizes' that the Flames aren't going to take it any longer. There is really no downside to this move. Small cap hit, no assets given up, so you can quite easily bench him and forget about him.
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