Fresh off of signing Cole Schwindt, the Calgary Flames announced that they have re-upped Ilya Solovyov for two more years.
A big deal for the big Belarusian
The former seventh-round pick has been a big surprise since he came over to North America. Initially expected to be AHL depth, Solovyov has become a very good top defenceman for the Calgary Wranglers and has been serviceable at the NHL level as well when called upon. Not the most offensive player, the Belarussian is a steady, responsible defenceman who has some offensive upside and can throw big hits when needed.
Signing him for not one year but two is a big show of how the Flames feel about him. While the organization does have a number of players vying for the sixth and seventh spots on the blue line, don’t be surprised if he earns one of those two spots.
If he can translate to being even a seventh defenceman in the NHL, the team has found a winner in Solovyov, but it looks like he may be even more than that. A great signing.
