The Calgary Flames took care of a bit of housekeeping on Thursday night as they signed forward Garnet Hathaway to a one-year, two-way contract.
Hathaway will earn $650,000 at the NHL level and $150,000 if he's with AHL Stockton.
Hathaway is coming off a pretty successful season in which he tallied 20 points in 31 AHL contests and also appeared in 26 games with the big club.
He didn't provide much offense, and his underlying numbers left a lot to be desired, but he brought some speed, physicality, and energy to the 4th line and, realistically, was a more effective player than Lance Bouma and Curtis Lazar last season.
Personally, I wouldn't have him in the opening night lineup but it certainly wouldn't be a shock if he's able to earn a depth spot.
The Flames still value gritty players who are 'tough to play against' and they don't have a lot of that, particularly up front. That, and getting into some NHL games last season, will help his case to make the team.
If he fails to earn a spot, it won't hurt to have a guy with NHL experience in the minors. Depth is never a bad thing.
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