After weeks of speculation, the Vegas Golden Knights drafted their team during the NHL Awards.

As a Flames fan, we had been quietly/loudly proclaiming that the Knights should take Troy Brouwer, but we were also worried that they’d take Brett Kulak or Hunter Shinkaruk.

However the Golden Knights threw a curveball and made a deal with Deryk Engelland and thus he became the Flames selection, leaving us scratching our heads in the process.

Engelland’s name had been linked to Vegas as he lives there in the offseason and would provide a good veteran presence. Our writers had actually discussed this a couple weeks ago but then we all agreed that Vegas wouldn’t be silly enough to take Engelland now instead of waiting until July 1st and taking a prospect during the draft. Apparently they were silly enough to do so.

For now though, it’s time to look back on Engelland’s time with the Calgary Flames.

The Flames signed Engelland in free agency on July 1st 2014. He signed a three year contract worth $2.9 million annually, and it was widely regarded as one of the worst free agent signings that year.

https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/2014/7/1/5862116/flames-sign-deryk-engelland-to-by-far-the-worst-deal-of-free-agency

Engelland’s first season with the Flames was tough but he began to pick things up over the course of the season. Towards the end of 2014-15 after the injury to Mark Giordano, he filled in admirably in the top four alongside T.J. Brodie into the playoffs

It was during that year’s playoff run that Engelland endeared himself to the Flames fanbase by fighting two Canuck players in Game 2 during that wild series.

Photo by Ben Nelms/Getty Images

Engelland got a D grade in the 2014-15 report card but managed to become a more likable player with his grit and hard work.

Engelland’s 2015-16 season was alright but nothing spectacular however he did fill in well in the top four again when Dennis Wideman was off dealing with his whole drama.

He continued to provide a strong work ethic and leadership presence on the team despite not having the strongest possession numbers. It was during this season that he was given a part time assistant captain role on the team. He finished the season with a C+ grade from the team.

Finally the 2016-17 season was Deryk Engelland’s best with the club, and although he may not have lived up to his $2.9 million price tag, he was a solidifying force on the back end.

He was the most consistent Flame over the course of the season and again donned another A on his jersey after Troy Brouwer went down with injury.

Our final report card grade for him this year was a C, and our editor Mark Parkinson explained Engelland’s season and overall tenure with the Flames the best.

“He is one of those guys that doesn’t do anything very well, but doesn’t do badly enough to make you cringe. He’s the kind of guy that will do his job and stick up for his teammates.”

While he only scored nine goals during his tenure with the Flames, each time he scored you could see the joy in his face and as fans we felt that same enjoyment seeing his hard work pay off.

Engelland’s presence will be missed on the Flames as he created a lot of fans with his hard-nosed play. He’s a player with character, integrity and we wish him all the best on the Golden Knights as he winds down his career. So long Deryk!

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images