Jakob Pelletier has a new contract. According to ace insider Elliotte Friedman, the restricted free-agent forward scribbled his signature Thursday on a one-year, two-way deal with a big-league cap-hit of US$800,000.
Will Pelletier have a spot in the Calgary Flames’ every-night lineup? That’s up to him.
Now 23, he is looking to put a miserable season in his rearview mirror. Due to two separate injuries to the same shoulder, he was limited to one goal and three points in only 13 outings at the NHL level in 2023-24.
Pelletier is a prime bounce-back/breakout candidate for the upcoming campaign, and the Flames could certainly benefit from his speed and energy, but the big question is where he fits with a crowded forward cast.
With Andrew Mangiapane traded to Washington, he should be among those auditioned to skate alongside Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman on Calgary’s shutdown trio.
He has a close relationship with Jonathan Huberdeau, so he could also get a look on his opposite wing, although many are expecting Anthony Mantha to land in that spot.
With his buzzsaw style, this 5-foot-11, 180-pound lefty may need to rebuild his confidence in a fourth-line role.
Although Pelletier reportedly settled for a two-way contract, a demotion would be risky business for the Flames as he now needs to clear waivers to be assigned to the AHL’s Wranglers. With his pedigree as a first-round pick in 2019, his reputation as a popular teammate and his strong stats in the minors, where he has averaged just shy of a point-per-game, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was ultimately claimed. From an organizational standpoint, you never want to be losing future pieces for nothing in return.
With Pelletier signed, the Flames have two remaining restricted free agents — centre Cole Schwindt and defenceman Ilya Solovyov.
Training camp opens next week.