Flames sign Steve Begin to 1-year contract

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) - The Calgary Flames have signed veteran center Steve Begin to a one-year, two-way contract worth $525,000.

It's Begin's second stint with the Flames. He played for Calgary from 1997 to 2003 after being drafted by the club 40th overall in 1996.

The 34-year-old entered camp this year on a professional tryout after taking last season off because of a hip injury.

He played only two NHL games in 2010-11 for the Nashville Predators, but played 77 games the season before for the Boston Bruins. He finished with five goals and 14 points during the 2009-10 season.

Flames general manager Jay Feaster says the club hopes to use Begin on special teams.

"Steve worked very hard during camp and demonstrated that he is an effective player killing penalties, making life difficult for opposing players and providing a spark and positive energy when needed," Feaster said in a statement.