Flames sign MacKenzie Weegar to eight-year extension
According to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, the Calgary Flames have signed defenseman MacKenzie Weegar for an eight-year deal worth $6.25 million per season.
Weegar extension is done. 8 x $6.25 million. He has a full no-trade clause for the first four years, followed by a limited no-trade clause in final four years. https://t.co/xaiakf1PzQ
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 7, 2022A seventh-round pick in 2013, Weegar unexpectedly became a star in the NHL. Last season, the 28-year-old set a career-high of 44 points, 23:22 of ice time, 203 shots, 179 hits and 156 blocks. Weegar especially stood out while filling the gaps left when Aaron Ekblad was out of the lineup in Florida and has long been an analytics darling, lauded for his play driving.
Weegar was part of the trade with Jonathan Huberdeau that sent Matthew Tkachuk to the Panthers this summer. Weegar being used as a sweetener came as a shock to many, instantly giving the Flames a huge boost on the blueline.
The Flames have now signed Weegar and Huberdeau to eight-year deals, making the most of the blockbuster deal. Weegar and Huberdeau will have their extensions kick next season, while Nazem Kadri is in the first year of his seven-season deal. The Flames also have goalie Jacob Markstrom (until 2026), forward Andrew Mangiapane (2025) and defenseman Rasmus Andersson (2026) locked up to keep the core together for the next few seasons.
Led by GM Brad Treliving, the Flames are in their contention window now and should compete for the top spot in the Pacific Division. The team lost Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau this summer, but Huberdeau is a 100-point player himself and Weegar instantly made Calgary’s blueline so much stronger. Add in Kadri’s presence, and it looks like the Flames are very serious about fighting for the Cup.