Comparing Hunter Brzustewicz’s deal to other Calgary Flames entry level signings

When the Calgary Flames announced the signing of defender Hunter Brzustewicz to an entry level deal on Thursdays, one number popped out: $950,000, the average annual value of his deal. The reason that number is significant is it shows how highly valued Brzustewicz (a third-round draft choice in 2023 that was acquired from the Canucks in the Elias Lindholm trade) is by the Flames.

When you look at Brzustewicz’s deal compared to other entry-level pacts inked by the Flames, that’s underscored.

What teams can and can’t offer on entry-level deals are restricted by the CBA. The deal length is mandated at three years (though older players get shorter ELCs, as they vary by age). The maximum average cap hit for each deal is also capped, varying by draft year. And performance bonuses are also capped, varying by draft year as well.

Informally, there’s a general way things go. First-round draft choices get what’s called “rookie max” for short-hand: the maximum cap hit a player can get on their ELC – it was $925,000 up until the 2022 draft class, when it was bumped up to $950,000. Within the first round, the higher picks get potential performance bonuses maxed out, with players drafted late in the first round not usually getting any. If you’re drafted outside of the first round, often you get offered less in terms of salary on your ELC, but often these players get some sort of performance bonus offered – though it’s often only a small games-played enticement.

Take a look at how the Flames have handled ELCs over the past five drafts and you’ll get an idea. (Contract details courtesy our pals at Cap Friendly; cap hits are per year, but potential performance bonuses are the total for the contract length.)

Generally, we see some trends. The later you’re drafted, the more your cap hit drifts downward. Typically, only first round picks get rookie max cap hits or significant performance bonuses included in their deals. But there are exceptions: in addition to Brzustewicz, the Flames offered rookie max deals to land college or European free agents in recent years such as Connor Mackey, Johannes Kinnvall, Spencer Foo, Alexander Yelesin and Carl-Johan Lerby.

But generally-speaking, for where he was selected, Brzustewicz’s deal is a bit of an outlier compared to other signings. And that should show you how highly the Flames value him.