Thursday, March 24, 2011

Dowling Signs With Calgary [Confirmed]

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TPS has learned that Swift Current Broncos forward Justin Dowling is in the sights of the Calgary Flames and in fact, may have already signed a contract with the NHL club. I have not yet been able to confirm that a deal is done but it sounds to be close at the very least. It is possible that this will not be the standard 3-year entry level deal but instead a minor league agreement for a year or two. [It has now been confirmed that Dowling has signed an ATO and will head to AHL Abbotsford].


I've also heard that the Edmonton Oilers and the Philadelphia Flyers may have also had their eye on the Cochrane, Alberta product. Dowling actually attended Flyers prospect camp last July. The Oilers may have only been offering a ECHL/AHL contract.

Dowling just completed his fourth full season with the Broncos, the club that originally listed him. He ended the season with 20 goals and 67 points in 63 games but those numbers are down from his career year in 2009-10 when he scored 32 times and had 78 points.

The 5'10, 185 lb center had 3 consecutive 20-goal, 40-assist years and finished top-two in team scoring in each of the last three seasons.

The Flames affiliate issued the press release announcing the signing of three players, including Dowling, early on Friday morning.

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