The Calgary Flames on Friday signed defenseman Cory Sarich to a new two-year, $4 million contract. The move prevents Sarich from becoming an unrestricted free agent.
"Cory is a true competitor who plays the game the right way, with fire and grit," Flames GM Jay Feaster said. "He is capable of delivering the big hit and as such keeps opposing players honest. He eliminates time and space down low, he moves the puck well with a good first pass, he is one of the leaders in our room, and he is a well-liked and well-respected teammate. We are thrilled to have Cory back in the fold on a contract that fits within our plan and enables us to continue to improve our hockey team."
Sarich, 33, had a goal, six assists, a plus-1 rating and 66 penalty minutes in 62 games last season. He tied for second with 144 hits, and his 60 blocked shots were fifth.
Sarich had spent the previous five seasons with the Flames. He also has played with the Sabres and Lightning in 13 NHL seasons. In 887 games, he has 20 goals, 146 points and 1,035 penalty minutes, 10th among active defensemen.
The Sarich signing marks the second straight day the Flames have focused on their defense. They acquired the rights to impending free agent Dennis Wideman from the Washington Capitals on Thursday then signed him to a five-year contract.
"When we set about the process of improving our blue line we identified the need for a puck-mover who could play the point on the power play and help us offensively, and we also wanted a time-space eliminator who hits and competes and brings a sandpaper element to his game," Feaster said. "We took care of the first need [Thursday] by acquiring and signing Dennis Wideman, and we checked the box on the second need [Friday] by re-upping Cory Sarich."
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