Linden Vey has found a new home, signing a one-year, two-way deal with the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.
The #Flames have signed right winger Linden Vey! Details ~ https://t.co/ULLl6IG7lX pic.twitter.com/VF77TECzW5
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 5, 2016
Vey, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 2009, was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 2014 with the draft pick acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning for Jason Garrison.
While going through some serious family issues, Vey had two unspectacular seasons with the Canucks. He put up 24 points (10-14-24) in 75 games in 2014-15. The 6-foot, 200-pound centre from Wakaw, Saskatchewan was sent down to AHL Utica out of training camp last season, but earned a call-up midway through the season. He finished 2015-16 with 15 points (4-11-15) in 41 games.
The 24-year-old former Medicine Hat Tiger always seemed to be a favourite of Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins, who gave him more ice time than most pundits felt he deserved. Time is running out for Vey to prove that he can be an everyday NHL player, so he’ll need a strong camp in Calgary in order to start in the NHL.
New Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan is familiar with what Vey can bring, which includes a strong two-way game for an undersized centre. Vey will likely compete for a spot on the Flames’ fourth line, either in his natural position or as a winger. The Flames referred to him as right winger in their press release, so perhaps that’s a clue.