CALGARY, AB -- The Calgary Flames announced today that they have signed centre Lance Bouma to a one-year contract.
Bouma, a native of Provost, Alberta, played 78 games with the Flames last season netting five goals and 10 assists for 15 points and 41 penalty minutes and finished second in the NHL amongst forwards with 87 blocked shots. After being drafted in the third round of the 2008 NHL Draft, Bouma has played 121 career NHL games with Calgary scoring 6 goals and adding 13 assists for 19 points and 54 penalty minutes.
Why only one year? Is that the Flames wanting more proof or is that Bouma wanting flexibility...or the golden combo of good for both?
I'm guessing with all the young prospects in our system destined to be 3rd/4th liners in the NHL, they would like to see some progress in Bouma's offensive game before committing to his salary structure (and likely the way he wants it too). Reports are that he's been working extremely hard to improve his shot and other offensive skills. He had plenty of chances last year because he worked so hard, and would have had quite a few more goals if he had a better shot.
I'm guessing that he could top out at 15 goals a year which would net him probably double to triple what he's currently worth on the open market. Yes, he does all the little things very well, but so do lots of players which makes him replaceable if he doesn't bring something else to the table.
Saying all this, I love me some Bouma and would be thrilled if he forced the Flames to pay him 2-3 million a year on his next contract.
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Originally Posted by ResAlien
If we can't fall in love with replaceable bottom 6 players then the terrorists have won.
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I'm surprised it's only one year. This almost guarantees that next year he'll get another one-year deal to take him to the end of his RFA years. Next year, he'll have arbitration rights, so that might have been the stumbling block.
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Turn up the good, turn down the suck!
Good to hear he's been working on his scoring touch because he has the odd beauty rush, with a bit better finish he could chip in with a few more goals easy.
Last edited by AC; 08-27-2014 at 10:29 AM.
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Flames sign Lance Bouma - 1 Year Contract ($775k)
