Flames sign a forward and a defenseman
Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames have signed forward Josh Leivo to a one-year contract at $875,000.
“They want me to come in and be a scorer and help contribute offensively,” Leivo said shortly after Saturday’s announcement.
Leivo scored seven goals and added 12 assists in 36 games last season.
Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames have signed 27-year old defenseman Nikita Nesterov to a one-year, one-way contract worth $700,000.
“He had more lucrative, probably, opportunities back home,” said Flames general manager Brad Treliving. “But he wants to try it. He wants to be an NHL player.”
Though he’s left-handed, he’ll play on the right side for the Flames.
“He’s played a lot of right side. He’s very comfortable over there,” Treliving said. “And that would be the plan for us.”
Top remaining NHL free agents
Emily Sadler of Sportsnet: The top remaining unrestricted free agents and a quick note about each.
1 Mike Hoffman – He’s okay with a one-year deal and there are plenty of teams still interested.
2. Mikael Granlund – Could take a short-term deal to get his career back on track.
3. Travis Hamonic – The Winnipeg Jets need help on the blue line and he has ties to Manitoba.
4. Ilya Kovalchuk – Played well for the Montreal Canadiens and could return on a low-cost deal.
5. Erik Haula – Has been some speculation of a Vegas Golden Knights return but they have salary cap concerns.
6. Carl Soderberg – Could interest someone looking for a versatile third-line center.
7. Anthony Duclair – The Ottawa Senators haven’t closed the door on Duclair but he may not get the role he wants.
8. Sami Vatanen – The Vancouver Canucks are looking for another defenseman and Vatanen could be a fit.
9. Andreas Athanasiou – Scored 30 goals in 2018-19.
10. Alex Galchenyuk – He hit 50 points several years and could be a bargain if he finds the right fit.
11. Derick Brassard – Fit in well with the New York Islanders. Could get a short-term deal.
12. Corey Perry – Had a good post-season.
13. Zdeno Chara – Will he be back with the Boston Bruins?
14. Colin Wilson – Could be a depth signing at center or on the wing.
15. Matt Martin – Could re-sign with the Islanders.
16. Conor Sheary – Likely a one-year deal to try and get his career going again.
17. Dominik Kahun – Didn’t get qualified at recording 31 points last season. Only 25-years old.
18. Corey Schneider – Signed with the Islanders.
19. Ron Hainsey – Added depth for a contender.
20. Melker Karlsson – Can play all three forward positions and kill penalties.