25-Year Old Defenceman Re-Signs With Calgary Flames

Bahl Re-Signs

Bahl’s new deal is worth $5.35 per season.

In 73 games with the Flames last season, his first in Calgary, Bahl scored three goals and added 17 assists for a total of 20 points. While Bahl failed to play in all 82 games, as he did the season before, Bahl did set a career high in points. Futhermore, Bahl set a career high in average time, averaging over 20 minutes for the first time in his career.

Role With the Flames

Bahl ended the season on the top pair alongside Rasmus Andersson. However, Andersson has appeared in recent trade rumours for the Flames, so Bahl’s future defensive partner is unknown.

Furthermore, an Andersson trade does more for Bahl than simply giving him another defensive partner. An Andersson trade could mean the Flames are transitioning to a rebuild, instead of a retool. Many key pieces have been traded the last few seasons and Andersson could be the next.

Should Andersson be traded, Bahl could be looked at as the defenceman the Flames build around. The Flames do have a solid defensive core Bahl alongside Mackenzie Weegar and Brayden Pachal. However, the Flames may look to move Weegar’s large contract as part of the possible rebuild. If Andersson is moved and Weegar follows, the Flames may look to Bahl to be the number-one defenceman. Not out-of-line with this kind of money.

Could Bahl be a Number One?

Bahl’s scouting report suggests there is potential. His offensive game has been described as, “what you see is what you get,” and that is evident so far. However, his defensive games shows true promise. He is not a physical player, but he is a strong skater which helps stay on his man in the defensive zone.

Bahl could be the shutdown defender the Flames build the defence around.