[ninty]

[quote:71ddc]9/6/2002

CALGARY - Restricted free agent Jarome Iginla has agreed to a contract with the Calgary Flames.



The deal is worth $13 million over two years with $5.5 million paid in the first season and $7.5 million for 2003-2004.



"Jarome is not only an important member of the Flames, but of the Calgary community as well," said general manager Craig Button. "His commitment to excellence is reflective of the values that are important to success and we are extremely happy to have him under contract for the next two seasons."



The news comes just one day after Hart Trophy winner Theodore agreed to a new three-year deal with the Montreal Canadiens.

The 25-year-old winger scored 52 goals and 44 assists to win the NHL scoring crown last season. His success earned him the Lester B. Pearson Award, and he also helped Canada to a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.



"It's a great day for hockey fans," said Flames President & CEO Ken King. "An extraordinary individual has agreed to help carry our pride, we couldn't be happier. Calgary spoke, we listened, we acted."



Iginla, who made $1.7 million US last year, was reportedly seeking $7.5 million US a year. The Flames had countered with an offer of more than $5.5 million US annually on a two-year pact.



The new contract is a stark contrast from talks that took place between the two parties in 1999, when Iginla came to terms on a three-year, $5-million US deal mere hours before the team's third regular-season game.



Iginla was coming off a three-year entry-level deal at the time as Calgary's fourth-leading scorer with 28 goals and 51 points. He had made $850,000 US with bonuses and was waiting for other comparable restricted free agents to sign and help determine his worth.

[/quote:71ddc]

They should have tried to sign him to a long tem contract. After 2 years hes gonna be gone. Its too bad. Hes not even in his prime. He'll be better in 2 years and then we won't beable to afford him. Oh well, we've got him now and we'd better make the playoffs.