'I'm so happy'

NASHVILLE - It was 2 a.m. over in Belarus, but Yegor Sharangovich was wise to keep his ringer on this time.

"I knew about it before," the newest Flame said over the phone on Wednesday. "I knew my trade was coming in one or two days, so I kept the sound on.

"And waited.

"My agent, Dan (Millstein) called me, told me about the trade and said congratulations.

"I'm so happy. I don't know how to say it any other way than I'm so happy to be joining Calgary."

The 25-year-old was brought to the Flames, along with a third-round pick (80th overall in this year's draft), in exchange for Tyler Toffoli on Tuesday evening. It's a great get for GM Craig Conroy, who was eager to add youth to the Flames roster, and praised the forward's versatility, speed and goal-scoring touch as the most attractive qualities in his game.

So sure of the player's ability - and the potential his unique game offers - Conroy andthe Flames immediately locked up the impending RFA, signing him to a new two-year contract with an AAV of $3.1M bright and early on Wednesday morning.

"I'm really excited to be part of Calgary for two more years," an emotional Sharangovich said - clearly excited about the promise of a new role with the Flames. "It's a really big chance to step up in my career and play better than my last couple years. I'm really excited and can't wait to meet all the players and I can't wait for the start of the season and to start playing in Calgary."

And the feeling, it seems, it mutual.

A number of players have already reached out to Sharangovich, welcoming him into the Flames family - beginning with Nikita Zadorov.

"I've already talked with him about Calgary, about the team," Sharangovich said. "He's already helping me find a house in Calgary.

"Not only Zadorov texted me, but it's already a couple guys - (Jonathan) Huberdeau, (Rasmus) Andersson. They both (reached out) and said, 'Congratulations and I can't wait to meet you in Calgary.'"

You could sense the enthusiasm bubbling over the phone.

For a player, just 25, who broke out and scored 24 goals only two seasons ago, the Flames did their homework and know what they have in front of them. He's a consistent 5-on-5 producer - equalling Toffoli's goal production over the past two years - and plays a big-body, speedy, innovative offensive game that will thrive under Ryan Huska's system.

"He's kind of come on the radar the last two or three years," Conroy said on Tuesday. "I've read the reports. I've watched him. And when you see him, he's a big guy, he skates well, he goes to the net and shoots the puck well. He has that knack around the net and is only getting better.

"We feel like if we put him in a position to have success, he will."

Those words?

They've already been heard - more than 8,000 kilometres away.

"I've already read his comments and I think I'm ready for this role," Sharangovich said. "I've been working in the summer really hard (to get this opportunity).

"I'm so excited."