The Calgary Flames quickly filled a couple of needs by signing an experienced winger and another goaltender when Friday’s free agency window opened.
Troy Brouwer agreed to a four-year deal worth a reported $4.5 million annually, while goalie Chad Johnson’s was a one-year pact worth a reported $1.7 million.
Brouwer was a mid-sized fish in this year’s pool of unrestricted free agents.
The six-foot-three, 213-pound winger is a candidate to play on the right of top-line centre Sean Monahan and left-winger Johnny Gaudreau, however.
The Flames dealt regular Monahan-Gaudreau linemate Jiri Hudler to Florida on Feb. 27.
Brouwer, 30, has played in successful organizations having won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.
The Vancouver native had 18 goals and 21 assists in 82 games, plus eight goals and five assists in 20 playoff games, for the St. Louis Blues in 2015-16.
Brouwer spent three seasons in Chicago and four in Washington before one season in St. Louis. His contract prior to Calgary’s paid him an average of $3.6 million annually.
“I think he wanted to remain here, but he didn’t have the ties to the community,” Blues GM Doug Armstrong said.
“The offers were going to have to equal out for him to stay, and we were a little bit shy of that offer.”
Brouwer has compiled 150 goals and 144 assists in 613 career NHL games.
After bouncing unsuccessfully between four goaltenders in 2015-16, the Flames have picked up two new ones in as many weeks, but neither long-term.
Brian Elliott, acquired at the NHL draft from St. Louis for a second-round pick and a conditional draft pick, has a year remaining on contract that counts $2.5 million against the salary cap.
Johnson appeared in a career-high 45 games for the Buffalo Sabres this past season because of Robin Lehner’s early-season ankle injury.
The 30-year-old Calgarian posted a 22-16-4 record in Buffalo with a goals-against average of 2.36 and a save percentage of .920. Johnson has a career 50-30-11 record.
Calgary now has some beef on the wing with Brouwer and the earlier addition of six-foot-four, 208-pound Alex Chiasson.
The Flames got Chiasson from the Ottawa Senators on Monday in exchange for minor-league defenceman Pat Sieloff.
Calgary has yet to announce new contracts for star forwards and restricted free agents Monahan and Gaudreau, who were extended qualifying offers Monday.
Three-year Flames winger Joe Colborne was not and signed with the Colorado Avalanche on Friday.
Calgary finished out of the playoffs this past season at 35-40-7. The Flames sacked head coach Bob Hartley and replaced him with Glenn Gulutzan.
With files from The Associated Press
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