Flames Sign Ben Walter and Clay Wilson

The Calgary Flames have announced that they have signed center Ben Walter and defenseman Clay Wilson to two-year contracts worth $1.075 million and $1.05 million, respectively. Walter's deal will average $537,500 per season, while Wilson's contract will average $525,000 per year. In 77 games last season with Lake Erie of the AHL, Walter had 23 goals and 47 assists for 70 points. Wilson appeared in 15 games with the Florida Panthers last season, scoring three goals and two assists for five points. He also played in 66 games with Rochester of the AHL, scoring 12 goals and 36 assists for 48 points. These are really just depth signings for the Flames. Walter brings some defensive skill to the forward lines, but doesn't have a lot of scoring upside at the NHL level. He will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors. Wilson brings some depth to the blueline, but will likely have to fight for a roster spot at training camp. If he does see an time with Calgary in 2011-12, it will likely be as a sixth or seventh defenseman.