The Calgary Flames started free agency slow, with 0 moves on the opening day of free agency while watching four former Flames depart, but after landing Jacob Oesterle on Sunday, they’ve followed it up with another solid move on the blue line on Monday.
This time the team has landed 24-year old Brady Lyle, on a one-year, two-way deal worth $775,000. Lyle is a young defenceman who stands at 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, and will bring plenty of experience to the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers as they look to build on what success they started a season ago, while also giving the NHL squad even more depth at the position.
.@b_lyle33 is coming to #yyc!
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 3, 2023
The #Flames have signed the defenceman to a one-year, two-way contract!@PlayAlbertaCA | https://t.co/9w36yc2cRx
The Ontario native has yet to crack the NHL, but in four seasons in the AHL, he has accumulated 61 points in 139 games, including a career high 31 with the Springfield Thunderbirds a season ago, and given how raw the defensive prospects in Calgary are, he will bring experience and polish to the group, something they desperately need.
There’s still plenty more moves for the Flames to make over the coming weeks and months, but this is a solid addition for the future, as Lyle has the ability to be a very strong AHL’er, with the potential to be a depth piece at the next level, so a one-year ‘prove it’ deal could be a great move for them.
So what do you think? Will Lyle be an effective addition to the Wranglers squad? Could he be a good depth piece for the Flames if injury strikes? What is the next big move this team should make? As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.