Flames Sign Forward Bourque to Six-Year Contract Extension

The Calgary Flames announced today that they have signed left wing Rene Bourque to a six-year contract extension worth $19.8 million. The deal averages out to $3.3 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 53 games so far this season with the Flames, Bourque has 18 goals and 23 assists for a career high 41 points and 74 penalty minutes. In 294 career NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks and Calgary Flames, he has 72 goals and 84 assists for 156 points and 280 penalty minutes. He is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. This is a good move for the Flames to get Bourque signed to a contract extension, as he is a very physical winger, can score goals, and is great on the power play. However, signing him to a six-year deal is a bit excessive in my opinion, as he is starting to become a bit injury prone. A three-year contract would have been a bit more reasonable. $3.3 million per season for a player of his caliber is okay, and if he improves offensively over the next few seasons, he could be a bargain.