Mar 22, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames forward Matt Stajan (18) celebrates a penalty shot goal against Edmonton Oilers during the second period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Hockey is a game. No more, no less! After what happened last March, Matt Stajan has forever captured my respect for the courage and strength in which he plays the game of hockey .
Emerson Stajan passed away shortly after his birth. I would have quit hockey if my first born child passed away! The Calgary Flames offered Matt Stajan the rest of the season off.
After taking two weeks off, Matt Stajan returned to play the game he loves to help himself in his recovery process. In Stajan’s 3rd game back, he scored the first goal of his return. The skyward point after the goal, even 6 months later, still brings shivers down my spine.
Now back to the regularly scheduled obsessing over the game we love.
Matt Stajan came to Calgary in a 7 player deal usually reserved for Fantasy Hockey Leagues only.
"January 31, 2010 The Calgary Flames have traded defenceman Dion Phaneuf, forward Fredrik Sjostrom, and prospect defenceman Keith Aulie to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forwards Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Jamal Mayers and defenceman Ian White."
One month later, Matt Stajan was signed to a four year contract to stay in Calgary.
"March 1, 2010 Forward Matt Stajan has agreed to terms with Calgary Flames on four-year contract extension worth $3.5 million per year against the salary cap. Stajan, who was scheduled to be unrestricted free agent on July 1, will earn $4.5 million in each of the first two seasons of the deal, and $2.5 million in the final two years."
In two full seasons under former Calgary Flames coach Brent Sutter, Matt Stajan had his two worst seasons as a pro. When current Calgary Flames coach Bob Hartley took over at the beginning of the 2012-13 season, Matt Stajan’s career rejuvenated. Last January, the Calgary Flames rewarded Matt Stajan with another 4 year contract.
"January 20, 2014The Calgary Flames have signed Matt Stajan to a four-year deal worth US$12.5 million. Stajan has seven goals and 10 assists in 41 games this season. The 30-year-old centre from Mississauga, Ont., made his debut in 2002."
During the 2008-09 season while with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Stajan had his highest offensive output with 54 points in 76 games. If Matt Stajan can appear in 76 games for the Calgary Flames in the upcoming season, 40 points seems realistic. I’m still going to hope for 50 points from him though.