Flames sign Bouwmeester to multi-year deal

CALGARY, Alberta, June 30 (UPI) -- The Calgary Flames signed defenseman Jay Bouwmeester to a multi-year contract Tuesday just hours before the NHL free-agency period.

The Flames, during last weekend's NHL entry draft, acquired the rights to Bouwmeester, who was to become a restricted free agent Wednesday.

The Calgary Sun reported the Flames signed him to a contract averaging $6.6 million a season for five years.

Calgary sent Jordan Leopold -- who will be a free agent -- to the Panthers in the deal.

Bouwmeester, 25, was originally selected third overall in the 2002 draft by Florida. He had 15 goals and 27 assists in 82 games last season. The native of Edmonton has played in all 82 regular-season contests in each of the last four seasons. He has 53 goals and 150 assists in 471 career games.