Jason Bell invited to rookie camp with the Flames

The Calgary Flames are bringing in 18-year-old Jason Bell for rookie camp this season, as announced by Bell and the Saint John Sea Dogs. Bell was eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, but went undrafted. While he Flames did plenty do address their defense this year, the prospect pool is still a bit thin (particularly on the left hand side) and this move will help to round out the camp.

Bell is wasn't quite a standout prospect; in 63 games he put up 29 points this past season and at 6'2 and 188 lbs. he's not exactly the type of prospect that is going to overwhelm with size either. There's zero risk involved in bringing him in for the Flames and they'll be looking to see if he's a piece that can at least help them on any level.

For those unfamiliar with Bell, he's more of a stay at home defenseman. His season was split between the Saint John Sea Dogs and the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles with mixed results. Here are the numbers courtesy of Elite Prospects:

Bell is a physical player who likes to hit, and can sometimes move the puck up the ice, but shows more of a tendency to turtle in the defensive zone. That said, his upside is still that of a competent hockey player, and we all know the Flames have had success with undrafted defencemen in the past.

Welcome aboard Mr. Bell! Hopefully this will be the beginning of a long and fortuitous friendship.

by Les Mavus