Stampede City Signings

by James Duplacey

The Stampede City might be overrun these days by ropin’-rodeo rowdies, calamity-causing cowboys and Chuckwagon-racin’ roustabouts, but it’s business as usual in the front office of the Calgary Flames. In addition to acquiring and signing blueline belter Jay Bouwmeester, gm Darryl Sutter and his brain trust have continued to add vital ingredients to the simmering stew of talent that new bench boss Duane Sutter will start cooking when training camp opens in early September.

Adam Pardy, a robust rearguard from Bonavista, Newfoundland who spent the entire 2008-09 campaign with the Flames main team after three semesters on the farm, was re-signed on the same day that “Big Bo” was introduced to the local media, which tended to shove the news that Handy Andy was back in the breach to the back burner. Pardy collected one goal and nine helpers in 60 games last season and proved he could handle himself with the mitts when he took his shifts.

With the backline considerably reinforced by the addition of the burly Bouwmeester and the pugilistic Pardy, Sutter turned his attention to shoring up the offensive attack. Fredrik Sjostrom, a former first round draft selection who spent the 2008-09 season with the NY Rangers, was signed on Canada Day to bring his speed, defensive creativity and opportunistic offensive ability to the Stampede City. Jamie Lundmark, a valuable third line forward who clicked for eight goals and 16 points in only 27 games, signed on the dotted line and will be expected to add a veteran voice to the dressing room. Jason Jaffray, an eight-year pro who spent the last six seasons in the employ of the Vancouver Canucks, was signed as a free agent on July 7th. Although he hasn’t been able to translate his impressive minor league statistics (421 points in 441 games) into NHL success, Jaffray has the size (6′1″, 195) and speed to make a favorable impression on his new employers.

Sutter continued his slew of summer signings on July 2nd, inking Garth Murray (Phoenix) and Riley Armstrong (San Jose) to a pair of one-year deals. While both forwards have NHL experience, it’s reasonable to assume the pair will be tabbed to spend the majority of the 2009-10 campaign helping tune up the Heat, the Flames new farm club in Abbotsford. After switching minor league allegiances twice (Omaha and Quad City) in the past three seasons, it’s important for the club to establish a firm fan base and add some veteran presence to the fledgling squad. With that in mind, the team also re-signed forwards Carsen Germyn and Ryley Grantham, a diligent duo who will also add depth to the baby Flames.

While the word vacation is not exactly a term prominent in the Sutter family venacular, the Calgary gm is expected to take a pause for the cause before turning his attention to the most pressing matters on his plater – acquiring a net-filling forward to replace the 39 goals that departed when Mike Cammalleri signed with the Montreal Canadiens and a reliable netminder who can stay sharp and practice hard because he’ll be watching the proceedings from the protection of the pine. Miikka  Kiprusoff is still the #1 crease cop on this beat.

Tags: Adam Pardy, Carsen Germyn, Fredrik Sjostrom, Jamie Lundmark, Jason Jaffray, Mike Cammalleri, Ryley Grantham