Versteeg leaves the team bound for the KHL
Veteran winger had a knack for keeping dressing room light and spirits high
Kris Versteeg and the Calgary Flames have parted ways.
The 32-year-old unrestricted free agent winger and locker-room favourite is off to Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League, inking a deal for the 2018-19 season, as reported by Sportsnet’s Ryan Leslie on Friday.
The witty winger from Lethbridge had hip surgery in early December after tweaking it during a 6-4 loss at Dallas on Nov. 24. It caused a hip labrum issue on the same hip that prevented the two-time Stanley Cup champion from playing in the Swiss league with SC Bern in 2016-17 (a decision that proved serendipitous as he signed with the Flames after spending a 2016 training camp with the Edmonton Oilers).
Versteeg broke into the NHL in 2007-08 and has played 643 NHL contests with the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, Florida Panthers, Blackhawks (again), Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings and the Flames. He hoisted Lord Stanley ’s mug with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010 and 2015.
Versteeg had a knack for keeping the dressing room light and spirits high. He hung around the Saddledome while recovering from the surgery and when he returned from injury, things weren’t quite the same. The Flames were not in a playoff position and Versteeg was shut down in late March.
But at his best, he was a creative force on the power play at his usual spot on the half-wall.
Following his return last season, Versteeg played two games and finished with 24 appearances in 2017-18, recording three goals and five assists.