As the Calgary Flames hit the ice for their first day of training camp, they’ve announced a signing. Forward Parker Bell, a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has signed a three-year entry-level deal. Per the club, the deal’s worth an average annual value of $857,500 at the NHL level.
Bell’s a 19-year-old, but he turns 20 on Sept. 26, so for the sake of his signing age he’s considered a 20-year-old and so his contract will start to run this season regardless of where he plays. He’s eligible to play in the American Hockey League with the Calgary Wranglers, in the ECHL with the Rapid City Rush, or in the Western Hockey League as an overage player with the Tri-City Americans.
A product of Estevan, Saskatchewan, Bell’s a 6’4″, 195 pound left shot winger. He’s progressed really nicely with Tri-City over the past two full seasons (and part of a third season), gradually adding muscle to his frame and figuring out how to use his size and length to his advantage. He had an offensive breakout season in 2022-23 with the Americans, posting 25 goals and 64 points in 55 games. He played a pair of games with the Wranglers late in their season, posting an assist.
Bell’s part of a slew of larger-round Flames picks that boast size and skill. He’s put them together to a good deal of success at the major junior level, so we’ll see if he can keep that going in the pros.
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