Brendan Morrison signs with the Calgary Flames
On Sunday Brendan Morrison was released from his Vancouver Canucks training camp tryout contract. The 12-year NHL veteran was not out of work for very long, as on Monday the Calgary Flames
signed him to a one-year deal.
“It’s a great opportunity to step in and prove you can still produce night in and night out. I’m excited about that. I anticipate coming in and contributing,” said Morrison about the
signing. The one-year deal Morrison signed with the Flames is worth $725,000.
When given the chance to try out for the Canucks, Morrison said his strongest attribute was his willingness to play a variety of positions and roles on any given team. The Flames must
have been paying attention, as they will look to Morrison to fill a number of holes in their line up.
Morrison will be counted on to play centre on a Flames team that suddenly finds themselves short in that position due to injuries to Matt Stajan, David Moss and Daymond Langkow. In addition
to playing centre, the former Canucks alternate captain will help fill a veteran leadership void left vacant in Langkow’s absence.
The versatile Morrison can play centre and wing as well as contribute on both the power play and penalty kill units.
The signing of Morrison will also allow highly touted 2008 first round draft pick Greg Nemisz to spend more time to develop in the minor leagues.
"We believe a guy like Nemo is gonna play here at some point, but to believe he’s ready to step into a top-six role right now is asking quite a bit,”
Flames assistant general Manager Jay Feaster said after the Morrison signing.
The 35-year-old Morrison played last season for the Washington Capitals. In 74 games with the Caps he scored 12 goals and added 30 assists with a +/- rating of +23.