Throwback Thursday: Today in 2002, Calgary Flames sign Martin Gelinas

Today in 2002, the Calgary Flames signed Martin Gelinas to a three-year, $4.85-million deal.

Gelinas joined the Flames at 32-years-old and while he was only in town as a player for two years, he’s found a home as the clubs assistant coach for almost the last decade.

But in those two years as a player, he made his impact felt. In 157 regular season games, he scored 38 goals and 87 points, but really made his impact felt in the 2004 playoffs. There, he scored eight goals and 15 points in 26 games including three series-winning goals giving him the famous nickname “The Eliminator.”

He played in Switzerland during the 2004-05 lockout then signed as a free agent with the Florida Panthers upon the NHL starting back up.

Gelinas was hired as an assistant coach of the Flames ahead of the 2012-13 season — a role he holds to this day.

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