Canada’s goaltender Leland Irving signs a one-year, two-way contract with Calgary Flames of the NHL
Calgary Flames, a side which plays in the Western Division of the National Hockey League (NHL) re-signed their reserve goaltender, Leland Irving, for one year in a two-way deal.
Irving will get $687,500 for playing in the NHL and $207,500 for playing in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Like Irving has spent most of his time since becoming a part of Calgary Flames organisation, it is expected that he would be sent to Flames’ AHL affiliates, Abbotsford Heat, a move that Irving may not like.
Born in Barrhead, Alberta, Irving started his hockey career with Everett Silvertips in Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2003, where he played for five years. He was drafted 26th overall in the first round of the 2006 NHL draft but signed for them
on 18th January 2007 in an entry-level contract.
The 6-foot-0, 177 pound goalie played for Calgary Flames’ AHL affiliates Quad City Flames at the beginning and Abbotsford Heats afterwards but did not get a call from Calgary Flames until December 2011 when their backup goaltender, Henrik Karlsson, got injured,
giving him a chance to make his NHL debut.
General Manager of the Calgary Flames, Jay Feaster, gave a press release and talked a lot of good about Irving but also indicated that he will have to play games and win more than half of those establish himself as permanent backup goaltender as Feaster
said,
“Leland made some great strides last season in attempting to establish himself as being ready to carry the load as the backup goaltender in Calgary. At the same time, in order for us to have the success we want as a team, it will be necessary for our backup
goalie not merely to start 20-plus games, but also to win more than half those starts.”
Former general manager of Tampa Bay Lightning, turning 50 years old on 30th July, Feaster also talked about competition between Karlsson and Leland for the spot of backup goaltender as he added,
“We are pleased to have Leland under contract for the upcoming season and look forward to what should be a hard-fought and spirited battle in training camp between Leland and Henrik Karlsson.”
Tags: