It is day two of the NHL Draft, and the Calgary Flames decided to get some business done after a successful first round on Friday night. The team announced today that they have extended defenceman Kevin Bahl to a six-year contract extension with an average annual value of $5.35M per year.
The Flames acquired the 25-year-old last year in the trade that saw them send Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils. The Flames also acquired a first-round pick in that deal that they used last night to select Cole Reschny.
Big Bahler Brand
Bahl had a really nice first year for the Flames this past season. In 73 games, Bahl posted 20 points, which would be a career high for him, but it was his play on the defensive side of the puck that turned heads in a positive way. The 6’6″ rearguard was able to use his size and reach to do a really nice job at denying zone entries and breaking up cycles. His defensive game is what stood out most, and along with Rasmus Andersson, they found chemistry early on.
With Andersson most likely on his way out this summer, it seems as though Bahl will start next season paired with super prospect Zayne Parekh, as the two of them paired up for the last game of this past season and meshed well together. Parekh will be able to take those chances offensively, while Bahl will be the defensive conscience of the pair. It might make an extremely good pairing moving forward for the team.
Bag secured
Bahl will secure a nice contract for himself after a career season, but the question will be if he can continue to improve as the contract ages. It does seem like a slight overpay considering some of the contracts that have been signed in the past, but the Flames will be banking on Bahl becoming a rock-solid shutdown defenceman that can be trusted in every situation, as Chris Tanev was.
The Flames now have just Connor Zary and Morgan Frost as the last two RFAs remaining to sign.
