Flames Sign Wayne Primeau and David Hale

[Thrillhouse]

Calgary, AB - Calgary Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter announced today the signing of centre Wayne Primeau to a three year contract and defenseman David Hale to a one year contract.

A veteran of 10 NHL seasons, Wayne Primeau has played in over 600 career regular season games for six different NHL teams (Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Boston, Calgary)

"I am excited about being able to get back into a Flames uniform," said Primeau. "I like what Darryl (Sutter) and his people are doing. With the players we have on board and with a great goalie like Miikka Kiprusoff there is always a chance to win."

Originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres as their first round selection (17th overall) in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, Calgary traded for Primeau and Brad Stuart from Boston in exchange for Andrew Ference and Chuck Kobasew on February 10, 2007.

Primeau also looks forward to working with new head coach Mike Keenan.

"You always hear things in the media about Mike (Keenan). But everyone I have talked to is very positive," added Primeau. "At this point he has been around a long time and there are players that like coaches and players who don't like coaches.

A native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Hale finished his third NHL season, and has played in over 150 career regular season games.

Originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils as their first round selection (22nd overall) in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Hale was traded from New Jersey along with a 5th round draft pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for Calgary’s 3rd round draft pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

[BGDDYKWL]

Primeau's deal is 3 years, $4.2 mil. Hale's is a one-year deal for $590K.

[Podollan]

Good signings imo. Good prices, decent players.

[Isles4life]

Good signings in terms of financial value.

[BrianTheAdsFan]

Big bodies with little production for a little money...eh...

[bengino]

now, if they get to re-up with Stuart, the trade makes sense... if they lose him because they can't cough up the cash... the trade may be a little lopsided for the Bruins.