After three outstanding seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning and two Stanley Cups, Blake Coleman has decided to sign elsewhere. He’s taking a six-year deal with the Calgary Flames. The AAV on that contract is $4.9 million per season.
Confirming that Blake Coleman is headed to Calgary.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 28, 2021
Blake Coleman to Calgary on a 6 year deal 4.9 bananas @MissinCurfew
— Jimmy Hayes (@Jimmy10Hayes) July 28, 2021
Blake Coleman Signs With Calgary
Even though the Lightning are ridiculously loaded, Coleman always was one of their best players. He was sensational on Tampa Bay’s third line the last two seasons, which caused giant matchup problems for any team. He had 21 goals and 31 points in 57 games during the 2020 season. Most of those goals came with the Devils. During Lightning’s first run to the Stanley Cup in 2020, he added five goals and 13 points. During this past season, he had 14 goals and 31 points in 55 games. He again elevated his game in the playoffs. Coleman had three goals and 11 points in 23 games and the Lightning had over 65% of the high-danger goals when he was on the ice (at 5V5).
Coleman was originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils 75th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft. He had a successful stint with the Devils before being traded to Tampa Bay for the Lightning’s two Stanley Cup runs. The Plano, Texas native has recorded 126 points (71 goals and 55 assists) in 301 career NHL games.
What This Means Going Forward
Coleman has more than earned his payday and he’s a player that can play anywhere in the lineup. The only reason he was in Tampa’s bottom six was because of the Lightning having two first lines for a top six. He’s also good defensively and can contribute to both special teams’ units.
The term on the contract may be a bit longer than anticipated but this is still a player who will be very good into his early 30’s. The dropoff in play likely won’t come until the last year or two of the deal which won’t matter as much. If all goes according to a plan, the Flames will have won a Stanley Cup with him while he’s still hopefully putting up great numbers.
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