Report: Flames sign Czech league star Daniel Pribyl

The Calgary Flames have signed Sparta Praha scoring star Daniel Pribyl, according to Bob McKenzie of TSN.ca.

McKenzie reports there were many suitors for Pribyl, including the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators. Pribyl, who was originally drafted in the sixth-round in the 2011 draft, blew out his ACL in the Czech league playoffs but that didn’t deter the Flames from getting a two-year entry deal done according to McKenzie.

The 23-year-old had a wonderful year with Sparta Praha, finishing second in the Czech league in scoring with 45 points in 45 games. He was at an even better pace in the playoffs, scoring 11 points in nine games before suffering the ACL injury. Pribyl has got a big frame at 6’2″ and will add size to the Flames.

Eric Francis of Sportsnet.ca reports the Flames intend of moving Prbyl to the wing and may hand him top-six minutes right away.

“The addition of the six-foot-three, 220-pound centre is part of a concerted effort by Flames GM Brad Treliving to make his team bigger and more skilled.

The plan is to move the Ostrava, Czech Republic native to the right wing where the right-handed shot may ultimately fill the hole on the top line when Jiri Hudler was traded.”

As McKenzie notes, Pribyl expected to begin next season in the AHL.

The move is a solid gamble by Calgary. Pribyl has proven he can score in the Czech league and has decent potential. On a two-way contract, even if he doesn’t become the top-six player Calgary envisions, there’s little risk in the deal.

About Liam McGuire

Social +Staff writer for The Comeback & Awful Announcing. Liammcguirejournalism@gmail.com

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