The trade deadline may be over, but the Calgary Flames business continues.
The team announced on Thursday morning that they have signed defensive prospect Hunter Brzustewicz to a three-year entry-level contract. The deal carries an AAV of $950,000 and would carry performance bonuses that most ELCs of that size.
Brzustewicz, who was acquired in the Elias Lindholm trade in January, is a big signing for the team and surely will inspire some positive energy amid a tougher stretch for the team.
Brzustewicz is a big deal
Brzustewicz was probably the biggest piece of the Lindholm deal, outside of the first-round selection that will come this spring, and was a player the Vancouver Canucks didn’t want to give up. A former third-round pick in 2023, Brzustewicz has been on a tea with the Kitchener Ranger of the OHL.
Through 62 games this season, Brzustewicz has 12 goals and 73 assists, which is good for 85 points. That puts him ninth overall in league scoring, while his 73 assists lead the OHL. Did we mention that he is doing this as a defenseman?
Brzustewicz has all of the skills to be a strong offensive defenseman in the NHL and jumps right near the top of the Flames’ best prospects.
His signing is a really strong development for the Flames, who originally had the same fear that a US-born player would not want to sign with the team. Although there were no direct reports that said this, it’s great news for the organization to get this deal done as soon as they could.
It will be interesting to see where Brzustewicz plays out the rest of the season now that he is signed to an ELC. Perhaps he could help bolster the Calgary Wranglers group once the OHL season is over.
All that being said, an official welcome to the C of Red Hunter!
