Flames Sign Tough-Guy Forward McGrattan to One-Year Deal

The Calgary Flames added some toughness to their line-up last weekend by signing right wing Brian McGrattan to a one-year contract worth $550,000. McGrattan played in only five games last season with the Phoenix Coyotes, scoring no points and 22 penalty minutes. He missed considerable time last season after entering the NHL’s substance abuse program. In 148 career games with the Coyotes and Ottawa Senators, he has two goals and eight assists for 10 points and 309 penalty minutes. McGrattan is one of the toughest forwards in the league today and brings lots of toughness and physicality to the Flames, but I don’t think this is such a wise signing for the team. McGrattan has no offensive upside whatsoever and he takes lots of bad penalties. The Flames have plenty of other physical forwards who are more skillful than McGrattan who can also stick up for their teammates. As a result, he could end up spending most of next season in the minors.