Flames Acquire Prust from Coyotes for Vandermeer

The Calgary Flames re-acquired center Brandon Prust from the Phoenix Coyotes during day two of the 2009 Draft in exchange for defenseman Jim Vandermeer. Prust was dealt to the Coyotes in March with Matthew Lombardi in exchange for Olli Jokinen. In 36 games last season with the Flames and Coyotes, Prust scored one goal and two assists for three points and 108 penalty minutes. In 45 games last season with the Flames, Vandermeer scored one goal and six assists for seven points and 108 penalty minutes. He missed a total of 37 games last season after suffering two separate ankle injuries. This is a decent move for the Flames in two ways. First, Prust is a very physical forward who will provide lots of toughness to Clgary's checking lines. Second, it helps the Flames cut some salary, as Vandermeer makes $2.3 million per season on his current contract. Cutting his salary helps free up some cap space for the Flames to sign Jay Bouwmeester. Vandermeer gives the Coyotes plenty of toughness, grit, and defensive depth on their blueline, not to mention veteran experience.