The usual small bit of mid-week apprehension has slightly dissipated, as the Calgary Flames have announced the signing of forward Lance Bouma to a one-year contract.

It was the final piece of business left before the Flames begin rookie camp on September 11. No terms were immediately available beyond the one-year term. We’re left to presume it’s a “show-me” contract similar to that signed by Paul Byron, if only because that would make some sense.

Bouma was Calgary’s third round selection, 78th overall, in a 2008 Draft that’s looking pretty strong between him and fourth round selection T.J. Brodie. He turned 24 in March, and capped off a pretty solid first full NHL campaign following a scary knee injury just three games into the 2012-13 season in Abbotsford. He was among the NHL’s leaders in shot blocks, among Calgary’s leaders in penalty-kill ice-time and hits, and was arguably Calgary’s heart-and-soul player. (I’d say Giordano’s the team’s conscience, Bouma’s the team’s soul.) His October performance at home against the New Jersey Devils – where Bouma blocked everything that moved and seemingly guilted his teammates into doing the same with his gutsy play – probably cemented his spot on the NHL roster.

A native of nearby Provost, Alberta, Bouma played his junior hockey with the Vancouver Giants, going to the 2007 Memorial Cup (which they hosted and won) and serving as the team’s captain during his final year in the Dub. Hardly a scoring machine as a pro, Bouma’s developed into an intangibles player that teams need to win championships, but are hard to pinpoint in terms of value.

We’ll have an update as soon as term (dollars and one-way/two-way) becomes available.