Flames Claim Dawes Off Waivers; Sign Him to Two-Year Deal

The Calgary Flames added some offensive depth to their team by claiming left wing Nigel Dawes off waivers from the Phoenix Coyotes. Then just days later, the Flames signed him to a two-year contract worth $1.7 million. The deal averages out to $850,000 per season. By signing him, the Flames avoid arbitration with the young forward, which he elected to while still with the Coyotes. Dawes appeared in 64 games last season with the New York Rangers and Phoenix Coyotes after being traded to the Coyotes at the 2009 trade deadline with Petr Prucha and Dmitri Kalinin in exchange for Derek Morris. Dawes scored 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points. In 133 career games with the Rangers and Coyotes, he has 25 goals and 26 assists for 51 points. These are great moves by the Flames in claiming Dawes off waivers and then signing him. He has good goal scoring potential and could become a top-six forward if he can increase his production. This is also a very affordable singing for the Flames, who are currently very close to the salary cap ceiling.