Jets sign Flames reject

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This article was published 02/08/2014 (4390 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Jets have signed another free-agent forward, inking left-winger T.J. Galiardi to a two-way contract for one year, at $750,000 for his NHL salary.

The 26-year-old Calgary native played last season for the hometown Flames, recording four goals and 17 points in 62 games, though he was a healthy scratch numerous times.

He was not extended a qualifying offer by the Flames at the end of June, casting him into the unrestricted-free-agent pool.

Demand

The fact he landed a two-way deal a month into the free agency period says much about the level of demand for Galiardi this summer.

The winger was originally a Colorado Avalanche draft pick in the second round of 2007. He played just one year in the WHL, at the age of 19 scoring 18 goals for the Calgary Hitmen the season after he was drafted.

He had 15 goals in his first full NHL season, 2009-10, but could never improve upon or match that performance.

The Jets have an opening on their third line but it wouldn’t appear Galiardi is a shoo-in for that spot, given his low productivity numbers. He may, though, be a serious candidate in the internal competition for the spot once training camp opens.

Colorado moved Galiardi to San Jose in 2012.

The Sharks then shopped him to Calgary last July for a fourth-round pick in the 2015 draft.

Calgary signed him to a $1.25-million deal for one year.

Two summers ago, Galiardi took the Sharks to arbitration and wound up with a $950,000, one-year contract that was settled just before the hearing.

 

tim.campbell@freepress.mb.ca, gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca