Flames sign forward to a deal with a $3.1 million cap hit
It didn’t take long for the Calgary Flames to sign newly acquired forward Yegor Sharangovich.
Sharangovich, acquired on Tuesday from the New Jersey Devils along with a third-round draft choice (80th overall) for Tyler Toffoli, inked a two-year pact with a $3.1-million salary cap hit a day later.
“I’m really excited to be part of Calgary for two more years,” the 25-year-old forward told CalgaryFlames.com. “It’s a really big chance to step up in my career and play better than my last couple years. I’m really excited and can’t wait to meet all the players and I can’t wait for the start of the season.”
The restricted free-agent could have elected to go to arbitration in the quest for a raise from the $2 million salary last season. He will be due to become an unrestricted free-agent after the 2024-25 season.
Sharangovich, who is home in Belarus, is capable of playing all three forward positions, although with his speed and shot he may be a good fit on the same line as Jonathan Huberdau.
A 24-goal scorer in 2021-22, Sharangovich struggled through a 13-goal 2022-23 campaign, in part due to reduced ice-time (an average of two minutes per game), especially after the Devils acquired Timo Meier. His shooting percentage also decreased substantially.
The Flames hope a bigger role, and renewed enthusiasm, is a catalyst for a break out. GM Craig Conroy has said the Flames will put the 6-foot-2 forward, who is also a strong penalty killer, in a position to succeed.
“I’ve already read his comments and I think I’m ready for this role,” Sharangovich said. “I’ve been working in the summer really hard (to get this opportunity). I’m so excited.”