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Calgary Flames sign Kris Versteeg

By Sammi Silber

Dec 8, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Kris Versteeg (32) defends against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Hurricanes 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Kris Versteeg (32) defends against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Hurricanes 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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When it comes to the Battle of Alberta, Kris Versteeg apparently sides with the Calgary Flames.

After a professional tryout with the Edmonton Oilers, Versteeg is reportedly close to signing with the Flames, as per multiple reports. The deal will be a one-year contract, likely under $1 million.

Versteeg had a decent camp with the Oilers and proved to be a solid option on the right side. He was close to earning a roster spot with the team and were reportedly close to signing a deal yesterday.

Head coach Todd McLellan gave all signals that he and the team were closing in on an agreement

“What has to happen now is Versteeg… and Oilers management team have to do business,” McLellan told Mark Spector Monday.

With the sudden switch in Versteeg’s decision, it’s easy to see from a perspective of depth. Spector explained it best.

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Because of Drake Caggiula’s push, he will take over as the third-line centre, pushing Draisaitl to the wing. This means that the Oilers will start the season with two top-six right wings, and leave the rest to the bottom-six. This would mean that Versteeg would slot in on the third – or even fourth – line. That scenario, of course, would depend on Puljujarvi’s play.

This was likely a major factor in Versteeg’s decision. During camp, Versteeg proved his potential as a top-six winger, and in Edmonton, he wouldn’t play to his full potential. In Calgary, he will compete with Troy Brouwer and Michael Frolik for a spot in the top six. Given these two players are second-line or third-line forwards at best, Versteeg has a better shot of making the top-six.

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Versteeg scored 38 points (15 G, 23 A) in 77 games split between Carolina and Los Angeles last season, and also had 37 takeaways.

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