Usually if news comes out around 5 p.m, it’s bad news they want to slip under the radar. In this case, it is the opposite. The Flames have signed training camp standout Glenn Gawdin to a three-year ELC.

Gawdin, a 6’1″ right-shooting centre, was an invite to development and training camp. He played in the Penticton tournament and one preseason game for the club, and his performances left quite the impression on some folks. The Flames returned him to Swift Current, but a few thought he could come back to the club in some capacity.

Since returning to the WHL, he has been on a tear, which probably convinced the Flames to lock him up. He is currently third in WHL scoring (behind teammates Tyler Steenbergen and Aleksi Heponiemi) with 40 points in 18 games, three points ahead of fellow Flames prospect Matthew Phillips (who, curiously, does not have an ELC yet). For perspective, he had 59 points in 52 games last year.

Now that he has a pro contract, Gawdin is also eligible to be immediately assigned to the AHL or ECHL, as he is 20 years old. The rosters for both franchises are a little bit crowded (presuming nothing else happens), so I imagine he stays in Swift Current for the time being.