Before the trade deadline, the Calgary Flames dealt Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks with many pieces coming in return, and today, the Flames locked down one of those pieces for the next three seasons.
With some fans beginning to worry that it hadn't happened yet, on Thursday, the Flames confirmed that they had signed defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz to a three-year entry level deal, carrying an annual value of $950k.
ON THE HUNT!
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 14, 2024
We have signed defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz to a three-year entry-level deal!
Details: https://t.co/vSnM5TLOIA#Flames | @original16beer pic.twitter.com/w6RYaMHWdn
The 19-year old blue liner is on a tear with the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL this season, notching an incredible 73 assists and 85 points in just 64 games played, putting him 10th overall in scoring, second for defenseman behind potential Flames draft target Zayne Parekh.
👀Hunter Brzustewicz led the Rangers to a 4-3 win over Guelph on Tuesday with his 23rd multi-point game (G + A) & the GWG. #Flames pic.twitter.com/nJpYZMU0G3
— Flames Prospects (@BlastyProspects) February 14, 2024
Locking in Bruzstewicz now confirms that he can join the Calgary Wranglers when the 2023-24 OHL season concludes, which would be a huge boost to a team that will get Pelletier, Coronato and Wolf back from the NHL for the stretch run. As for Brzustewicz, he will certainly be a major chance to crack the NHL roster next season, and with his incredible offensive talent, he has the ability to be a game changer for the Calgary Flames, and may end up being the best asset that the team acquired at this trade deadline.