The Calgary Flames are retaining the services of one of their defenceman. The team announced on Tuesday that they have re-signed defenceman Brayden Pachal to a two-year contract extension.
Pachal Signs New Contract
Brayden is staying in #yyc!
We’ve signed the blueliner to a two-year contract extension!
📄: https://t.co/7jUBxp1YQJ#Flames | @original16beer pic.twitter.com/J0PFaywdAw
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) December 17, 2024
Pachal’s new contract carries a cap hit of $1.19 million a season over the next seasons. That is good value for the Flames, who have clearly been impressed with Pachal’s play since they acquired the defenceman via waivers this past February.
The Flames headed into training camp knowing Pachal would be an option for their defence. However, the results have been better than the Flames expected. The 25-year old has played in all 31 contests for the Flames. He has scored goal and recorded an assist. While those are not eye-popping numbers, Pachal’s physicality is where he has his value. He has 72 hits on the season so far, which is good for third on the team.
Pachal signs this new contract while on milestone watch. The defenceman is just seven games away from reaching 100 games played in the NHL.
Career Before Calgary
Before joining the Flames, Pachal was a member of the Vegas Golden Knights organization. He signed an entry-level contract with the Golden Knights. In 2023, Pachal helped the Golden Knights win their first Stanley Cup. Despite only playing in ten regular-season games and one playoff game, the Golden Knights filed a petition to have Pachal’s name engraved on the Stanley Cup alongside the rest of the team. The request was granted. Pachal’s name is now engraved on one of the most prestigious trophies in professional sports.
Work to Do
The Flames are in the thick of the playoff chase in the Western Conference. The team is just a point out of the final wild card spot. Behind Pachal’s physicality, the Flames will look to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Main Photo: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
