Flames Ink Defenseman Bouwmeester To Five-Year Pact

July 1, 2009 11:11 a.m. EST

Calgary, Alberta (AHN) - The Calgary Flames did not take long to sign Jay Bouwmeester, the defenseman whom they recently acquired from the Florida Panthers.

The team kept him off the free-agent market with a five-year pact, with some reports indicating will be worth over $30 million.

Bouwmeester, 26, is considered to be in the prime of his career and has remained injury-free.

The defenseman chews up ice time at over 25 minutes per contest, and keeps opposing defenses honest with 15 goals and 42 points last season.

Dion Phaneuf, Robyn Regehr and Cory Sarich join the team's defense.