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Calgary Flames

Flames Acquire Kris Russell, Sign Ramo, Knight and Nemisz

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The Flames have been busy making several small deals on the first day of NHL Free Agency.

Jay Feaster announced the acquisition of defenceman Kris Russell from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a fifth round pick in next year’s draft, which caused some grumbling amongst Flames fans on Twitter because the 26-year-old was recently available on waivers. Nonetheless, Russell, who scored one goal and seven points in 33 games last season for the Blues, joins the Flames’ crowded 4-5-6-7 defence rotation that includes Shane O’Brien, Derek Smith, Mark Cundari, likely Chris Butler and possible Brett Carson. Russell will make $1.5M next season.

The organization also announced that they signed RFA Greg Nemisz to a new one-year deal worth $725,000, as well as Corban Knight and goalie Karri Ramo.

Knight, who was acquired last month from Florida in exchange for Calgary’s fourth-round pick in last weekend’s NHL Entry Draft, was signed to a two-year entry-level deal worth $3.75M per season (a base salary of $810,000 plus bonuses).

Karri Ramo, acquired in the deal that sent Rene Bourque to the Montreal Canadiens last February, inked a two-year deal with the club that will see him collect $2.75M per year. With Miikka Kiprusoff likely hanging up his skates, Ramo is expected to carry the majority of the load in the Flames’ crease next winter.

by Hayley Mutch