The Calgary Flames have settled on deals with two key depth players by re-signing defenseman Ilya Solovyov and center Cole Schwindt to new contracts on Wednesday.
Solovyov has signed a two-year extension. It is a two-way contract in year one and a one-way in year two. His annual average salary is $775K at the NHL level.
Schwindt has agreed to a one-year deal. It is a one-year, two-way deal worth $800K.
Solovyov, 24, made his NHL debut during the 2023-24 season, skating in 10 games and recording his first point with an assist against the Minnesota Wild in December. He played a major role with the Calgary Wranglers of the American Hockey League (AHL), contributing 15 points in 51 regular-season games and adding one goal during six playoff contests.
Known for his strong defensive play, Solovyov is expected to grow into a consistent third-pairing defenseman for the Flames. It is believed he will compete for minutes with the likes of Joel Hanley, Kevin Bahl, and Jake Bean.
Solovyov’s journey to the NHL has been impressive, having represented Belarus in various international competitions before moving to North America to play in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). His solid hockey IQ, defensive awareness, and ability to transition the puck position him as a future force on the Flames’ blue line.
Schwindt, 23, played four games for Calgary last season while spending most of his time with the Wranglers. He tallied 14 goals and 22 assists in 66 games. Schwindt also led the team with four goals in six playoff games.
The Flames had high hopes for him when he was included in the Matthew Tkachuk trade from Florida. It hasn’t quite worked out as expected. As such, Schwindt now faces a pivotal season. With the Flames having lowered their expectations, but still needing him to perform, this contract may be his last chance to prove he belongs in the NHL.
Should he get off to a solid start in the AHL, he’s potentially going to be an early call-up for a Flames roster that isn’t incredibly deep. This is a year where youth is going to get an opportunity. It will be up to Schwindt to seize it.
