Flames Re-Sign Brandon Prust and David Van Der Gulik

[Thrillhouse]

Calgary, AB - Calgary Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter announced today the signing of forwards Brandon Prust and David Van Der Gulik.

“Both players have made strides during their first years pro and fit into the profile for playing on our team,” said Sutter. “They are part of our philosophy of a long term approach.”

Prust, a native of London, ON, was originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 3rd round (70th overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He spent last season with the Quad City Flames (AHL) leading them in penalty minutes (248). During the 2006-07 season, Prust played 10 games with the Calgary Flames registering 25 penalty minutes. The 5’11”, 195 lb winger was a member of the 2005 Memorial Cup champion London Knights.

Van Der Gulik, a native of Abbotsford, BC, was originally draft by the Calgary Flames in the 7th round (206th overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He has spent the past two seasons with the Flames affiliate team in the AHL, accumulating 43 and 42 points respectively and has played in all 80 games each season.

[caps05]

WHOO HOO.

Let the kid (Prust) have a legit shot with Calgary this year and I think he'll help Keenan's boys a lot.

He can score and fight.

[Thrillhouse]

It's your turn Prust! Really excited what he's got to show us.

[canuckfan]

I remember bein disappointed that we didn't see Prust at all this season.

Prust will pretty much have a roster spot reserved for him at training camp - especially with Godard gone, Nolan unlikely to be back, and Tucker signing in Colorado. I honestly believe Prust also represents an agitating element the Flames have lacked since Ville Nemienen walked years ago. And although I wouldn't count on him taking care of ALL the dirtywork (I'm assuming Sutter is still looking for a HW to replace Godard) he can do more than look after himself.

Games within the NW division should be even more fun to watch next year - assuming Prust makes the team, of course - a Prust vs Rypien match, or even Prust vs Tucker, would be a helluva fun thing to watch.

[Snipes19]

Good to see that Prust got re-signed. Like canuckfan said - after losing Godard and Nolan, Prust should definitely have a spot on the Flames' team next year. Especially after losing Godard... he was their enforcer and now they have nobody, so Prust will be needed there to step up and help take care of business.

However - while Prust is a good fighter for his size, I still only view him as a light-heavy, so I don't think he can handle the enforcing job on his own. Calgary would be wise to re-sign Vandermeer or bring in a guy like Matt Walker or someone to help him out and create a duo with Prust, where you might have two light-heavies as opposed to just one (just an example). I think the Flames would be better off with that, because IMO Prust will need some help since he's not that big and isn't at the level of a guy like Hordi or Thornton when it comes to fighting. He's an exciting fighter, but hopefully the Flames are still looking for somebody else. It's still good to see him get a chance though.

And at least the guy can play the game too, so Flames fans should really like him. He will be a good 4th-liner for them.

[Sukoshi84]

Hopefully Prust can get some time this season n' split some heads

[fansince65]

Originally Posted by Thrillhouse

It's your turn Prust! Really excited what he's got to show us.

We know Prust personaly , he is a great kid , he suffered a hip injury last season that just did not want to heal , frustrated the he!! out of him , he will take advantage of any chance he gets this year , he told me he is going to camp with every intention of makeing the Flames , he will give it his best shot , hope he does make it ...

[PhlyerPhanatic]

Prusty brings a hell of alot more to the table then a player of Godard's calibre does. I'm glad he may finally get his chance to show he's not only a player that can and will drop the gloves,but he brings a very complete game as well. Can't wait to talk to him and personally congratulate him.

[BGDDYKWL]

A source told Sun Media yesterday Prust's deal is one-way for two years and worth $1-million.

Link

[Cat Smasher]

Awesome a London boy gonna get this chance, but I'm worried for who he has to face in the west.

[chilly666]

not shocked by it at all. hes done decent in the A. hopefully ready for the big club this year and more to come.

[Isles4life]

Awesome news if Prust's deal really is 1-way. He deserves a real shot at the NHL level.