Calgary Flames extend Lee Stempniak, Cory Sarich's deals -NHL offseason Update
Calgary Flames secure two top level players, right winger Lee Stempniak and defenseman Cory Sarich, who both were given contract extensions based on their performances this past 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season on Friday, June 29, 2012.
Stempniak has agreed to a two-year, $5 million deal while Sarich is reported to have signed on to a two-year, $4 million contract. Both players will be unrestricted free agents by the end of the 2013-2014 regular season.
A native of West Seneca, New York, Lee Stempniak brought a deep offensive game to Calgary after he was signed on by Flames prior to the previous season. Stempniak was picked up by St. Louis Blues back in 2003 as the 148th overall player and spent
nearly four seasons before being dealt to Toronto Maple Leafs and then Phoenix Coyotes.
"We believe Lee continues to have strong upside offensively, and he has demonstrated that he can be responsible at both ends of the ice," said Flames general manager, Jay Feaster, in a statement.”
The 29-year-old veteran played in 61 games last season and potted 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) and 16 minutes in penalty time.
He was on a two-year deal worth $3.8 million contract before this deal.
Cory Sarich on the other hand, is a former 27th overall pick by Buffalo Sabres back in 1996. He completed his fifth straight season with the Calgary Flames this year and put up seven points (1 goal, 6 assists) in 62 games played.
"Cory is a true competitor who plays the game the right way, with fire and grit," Feaster said about Sarich. "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 is also excited about his new deal and staying in Calgary was always something he wanted to do.
I’m really excited — Calgary’s my home," Sarich said. "I love it here. I love playing hockey here. I’m really pumped to be able to stick around and play in the red uniform again.”
Sarich will be earning a cool $2 million a year.
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