Forget about all those arbitration/buyout window extension scenarios. The Flames have signed forward Rene Bourque, a restricted free agent acquired from Chicago this week for a second-round pick. No terms — financial or length — were disclosed.
Bourque's qualifying offer was $945,000 US and Flames GM Darryl Sutter hinted on Wednesday that while he was willing to go longer-term, he also didn't mind the idea of doing a one-year contract to get a better look at the winger from Lac La Biche, Alta.
Given the Flames' depth issues up front, it's not unreasonable to think Bourque will get a crack at second-line duty and some power-play time.
When the Flames acquired Bourque this week, TSN speculated that one purpose was to get an arbitration-eligible player and and give Calgary a second crack at buying out Rhett Warrener, Anders Eriksson and/or Marcus Nilson. Sutter denied that possibility on Wednesday, flatly saying he would not be going the buyout route. This signing pretty much clinches it.
As his qualifying offer was 950.000 $, the number seems to be about right. Don't see a reason to blame Sutter for this signing.
400-500k over his QO... thats whats to blame... the guy lost his roster spot on a non-playoff team despite being able to play both wings... how has he earned more than his QO?... he hasn't
400-500k over his QO... thats whats to blame... the guy lost his roster spot on a non-playoff team despite being able to play both wings... how has he earned more than his QO?... he hasn't
The question is, what would Bourque have gotten, if he filed for arbitration. I think, that the amount awarded by an arbitrator would have been much closer to the amount, he has signed for than to the QO.
That's a decent deal. I have faith Bourque will work out but given his injury history I am glad we didn't sign him for more than 2 years. This contract is decent and not nearly as bad as the money Vandermeer got IMO./
