Flames sign Dominik Simon (one year, $700K)

Another day, another depth signing for the Calgary Flames. The club announced on Thursday that they’ve inked forward Dominik Simon to a one year (one-way) deal worth $700,000.

Originally from scenic Praha, Czech Republic, Simon is a 26-year-old left shot forward who can play both wings and even draw in at centre if needed. A fifth round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2015, he’s worked his way up the depth chart in the Penguins system. Originally a good AHLer, he’s spent the entirety of the past two seasons with the big club.

Simon had seven goals and 22 points last season for Pittsburgh, and overall has 64 points in 173 NHL games. He didn’t receive a qualifying offer from the Penguins at the end of the season, though. He was useful bottom-six depth from the Penguins, though his season was cut short after tearing his labrum in February.

Because he was largely healthy on an injury-ravaged Penguins team, Simon was second in five-on-five forward ice time in 2019-20’s regular season. He played a bit of special teams – more power play than penalty kill – but overall he was just used as a guy that fit in as a third body wherever they needed one. With the Flames hoping for some more versatility in their line-up, a guy that can play anywhere and in any situation for league minimum salary is great value.