Flames Sign Sjostrom

by Kent Wilson on Jul 1, 2009 6:53 PM PDT

After inking Jay Bouwmeester and Adam Pardy today, Darryl Sutter finished up by signing former Ranger (and Calgary Hitman) Fredrik Sjostrom to a 2 year, 750k/year deal. The fleet footed right winger was a decent scorer in Junior and a high draft pick, but has never really done anything at the NHL level. In 358 games, he's scored 41 goals and 88 points.

I could go on, but I feel a comparison to a current Flame would best illustrate the kind of player Sjostrom is. First Freddy's advanced ES stats from last year:

Qual Comp: -0.02 (3rd worst on the team)

corsi: 2.0

ESP/60: 0.85

GFON/60: 1.53

plus/minus: -14

And now, the Flames player:

Qual Comp: -0.17 (worst amongst regular skaters)

corsi: 12.9

ESP/60: 0.76

GFON/60: 0.95

plus/minus: -9

The similaries between these guys is actually uncanny. Sjostrom was chosen 11th overall by the Coyotes. Flames guy was 10th overall. Both were born in 1983. Both are penalty killers and both are probably right around replacement level for NHL forwards. In the end, this is a pure depth move that probably won't hurt or help the team much either way.

UPDATE - despite his yawn-worthy production, Sjostrom was apparently well liked over at Blueshirt Banter.

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Great depth player and shouldn’t make to much mistakes, great on the penalty kill.

Good move by Darryl

by CofRed on Jul 1, 2009 7:28 PM PDT reply actions

It’s funny as I was looking over the list of free agents I saw Sjostrom’s name and thought…maybe we could sign him. Last Christmas, I was in New York and caught a game and he looked good. To be honest I don’t know much about him, but I think he may have Nystrom-like utility with a slightly higher upside. Check these:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtKI3vxfxbI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIg_5O7pT0A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jn7MNftWKM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12ngGJkgA8Y

Combined with the fact he seems to be a popular guy, and you can here in the one goal Renney’s praise. I like.

I can’t help but think of the Ville Nieminen transaction or a Jarkko Ruutu… even though they are both Finns.

I am impressed with the off-season thus far.

by LawrenceS on Jul 1, 2009 11:36 PM PDT reply actions

i think he’s a’ight.
;)

by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 11:44 PM PDT reply actions

-Colin

by Colin S on Jul 2, 2009 2:27 AM PDT up reply actions

He’s a high energy guy, great on the PK, wasn’t given much chance at full strength after Torts took over. He makes things happen with his speed, you guys will enjoy him.

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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Jul 2, 2009 6:07 AM PDT reply actions

I agree with Jim. I also thought he wasn’t given much chance by Tortorella and Renney. If given the chance he could score 11-13 goals a year on the third or fourth line.

Ingmar Bergman Shoots And Scores @ http://bergmanscores.blogspot.com

by ingmarWbergman on Jul 2, 2009 6:41 AM PDT up reply actions

Poor man’s Matt Lombardi. Speedy, can play the PK. Wont score as much as Lombardi though. Remember Sjostrom from his days with the Hitmen. Always liked his game.

by Resolute on Jul 2, 2009 8:07 AM PDT reply actions

Hard to complain about the signing then, especially given the price.

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by Kent Wilson on Jul 2, 2009 8:57 AM PDT reply actions

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