"Looking back at my career path and the opportunities I've been given, I think I've shown my abilities to rise to the occasion," Gillies said. "If you look at my starts when [Mike Smith] was hurt and at the end of the year, I think I'm ready to take that 'next step."
The 24-year-old goaltender, who was a restricted free agent, went 3-5-1 with a 2.88 goals-against average and .896 save percentage in 11 games (nine starts) with the Flames last season. He was 17-16-5 with a 2.53 GAA, a .917 save percentage and four shutouts in 39 games with Stockton of the American Hockey League last season.
"Last year was his first prolonged exposure at the NHL level and there were some really good things," Calgary general manager Brad Treliving told the Flames website. "Jon has shown over his amateur career and [AHL] career that he's a top-level prospect. You look at his frame (6-foot-6, 223 pounds), his athletic ability, his talent level, he's a guy who's knocking at the door. Now he's got to push that door down."
Calgary selected Gillies in the third round (No. 75) of the 2012 NHL Draft. He is 4-5-1 with a 2.71 GAA and .903 save percentage in 12 NHL games (10 starts).
"I've been on a path where I've played a lot of games," he said. "I've had a lot of chances to show what I can do. This will be another one."
