Flames Sign Free Agent Forwards Murray & Armstrong

The Calgary Flames announced on Thursday that they have signed center Garth Murray and right wing Riley Armstrong to contracts. Exact length and terms of the deals were not disclosed. In 10 games last season with the Phoenix Coyotes, Murray scored no points but attained 12 penalty minutes. He spent most of the 2008-09 season with the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate in San Antonio, appearing in 64 games. He scored 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points and 146 penalty minutes. In 116 career games with the Coyotes, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers, Murray has eight goals and two assists for 10 points and 131 penalty minutes. Armstrong appeared in two games with the Sharks last season, scoring no points. He spent most of last season with the Sharks’ AHL affiliate in Worcester, appearing in 71 games, scoring 25 goals and 17 assists for 42 points and 101 penalty minutes. These are merely depth signings for the Flames. Murray and Armstrong play with lots of grit and toughness, but are not likely to see much time with the team next season. Of these two players, Armstrong has more promise than Murray, as he could evolve into a third line scorer. Murray has no offensive upside whatsoever and is nothing more than a part-time enforcer.