The Calgary Flames announced that they have signed a pair of UFA’s to one-year deals today. Both Tobias Rieder and Zac Rinaldo were part of their camps and earned themselves contracts. As well, both deals are two-way deals with a cap hit of $700,000.
The #Flames have signed forward Tobias Rieder to a one-year, two-way contract. https://t.co/pTYSXz7NBc
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) September 29, 2019
The #Flames have signed forward Zac Rinaldo to a one-year, two-way contract. https://t.co/TNzwd99aXL
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) September 29, 2019
Flames Sign Tobias Rieder and Zac Rinaldo
Outlook
Both of these signings are nothing but depth signings. The two-way deal also implicates the team may think about sending them to the AHL if needed. They would still need waivers, however. Tobias Rieder played with the Edmonton Oilers last season and had a rough year. He scored 0 goals and had 11 assists which lead to complaints from Oilers management. His career-high in points is 37 and that came with the Arizona Coyotes back in 2015-16. Rieder can be a useful depth piece on the 4th line. If he plays for a decent amount of the season he should also find the back of the net a few times.
Rinaldo only played 23 games with the Nashville Predators last season. He had 1 goal and 2 assists and even saw a few games in the AHL. Rinaldo has never hit double-digit points in his career and has been known as one of the last tough guys in the game. It seems reasonable to expect he will be in the lineup when they feel they need some grit or toughness.
Going Forward
Going forward, it seems likely neither of these players will make a huge impact. However, having a minor impact on the bottom of the lineup can go a long way in what should be a very close division. It would make sense if Rieder sees more games than Rinaldo this year but anything can happen. The Flames have their core locked in now and are ready to avenge their embarrassing first-round exit from last season. These two signings should help round out the edges of the lineup.
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