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.

Avalanche Re-Sign Yip, Add Walter

The Colorado Avalanche announced today that they have re-signed right wing Brandon Yip to a two-year contract and signed free agent center Ben Walter to a one-year contract. Financial terms of both their deals were not disclosed. These aren't bad depth signings for the Avalanche. Yip brings plenty of energy and offensive skill to the lineup, while Walter brings defensive skill to the team, but does not have a lot of scoring upside at the NHL level. As a result, he will likely spend most of next season in the minors.

Devils Acquire Forward Walter from Islanders

The New Jersey Devils announced on Tuesday that they acquired center Ben Walter and future considerations from the New York Islanders in exchange for the rights to center Tony Romano. Walter played in only four games last season with the Islanders, scoring no points. He has appeared in 22 career games with the Islanders and Boston Bruins, scoring one goal. This appears to be a depth move for the Devils. Walter has the potential to become a scoring forward in the NHL, but has had a hard time cracking the NHL. If he plays with the Devils next season, it will likely be on the fourth line and only if there’s an injury on the team. Romano was a sixth round pick of the Devils in 2006 that they never signed, but looks like he could have a chance with the Islanders. He’s been impressive in junior so far, putting up decent numbers and playing with some toughness. It’s kind of early to tell, but if he stays productive, Romano could become a checking line forward, or possibly a top-six forward for the Islanders.