Calgary Flames Sign Undrafted Free Agent out of NCAA

The Calgary Flames made a splash in the NCAA free agent market. They have signed undrafted free agent Tyson Gross out of St. Cloud State. The contract is a two-way, two year contract with an average annual value of $975,000. However, with the signing, he does burn the first year of that contract this season. The 23-year-old Calgary native went through the Springbank hockey system within the area of Calgary, Alberta before heading to the USHL after a brief stint in the AJHL. He was named the captain at St. Cloud State this season.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Apr 10, 2025. Close-up of a Calgary Flames baseball cap

Tyson Gross Signs in Calgary

St. Cloud State’s season has come to an end after being swept in the first round of the NCHC playoffs by Minnesota-Duluth, opening the door for Gross to sign a professional contract. Under NCAA rules, an athlete cannot sign a professional contract while competing in the NCAA. While at St. Cloud State, Gross’ production this season skyrocketed to 41 points in 36 games.

Calgary was earlier rumoured to be the front-runner in the Gross sweepstakes, as the hometown kid returns to put on the flaming C. He will likely be introduced to the roster later in the season. With the signing, the Flames now have two contract spots remaining this season. The limit for contracts in the NHL is set at 50 per team. Flames insider Eric Francis reports that the other two contracts could likely be Jonathan Castagna and Abram Wiebe when their respective seasons come to an end in the NCAA.

The Calgary Flames are currently sitting second last in the NHL with a 25-32-7 record. They are set up to have their highest draft pick in franchise history. They have never picked higher than fourth. Tyson Gross is listed as a 6’3″, 194 pound, right-shot centre, something the Flames have been looking for to kick start a rebuild. It remains to be seen if Gross can be the number-one centre the Flames have been searching for. But for Flames fans, it will be exciting if he can be the answer.