Kevin Bahl signs new long-term contract on Saturday.

We have a big contract signing on Saturday morning.

According to an announcement from Puck Pedia, the Calgary Flames and defenseman Kevin Bahl have reportedly agreed to terms on a new contract that will carry with it a 6 year term. Reports are that the new deal will carry an average annual value of over $5 million per season, although no specific numbers as of yet.

Update: NHL insider Chris Johnston reports that the average annual value and salary cap hit on this deal will be $5,35 million.

Bahl, originally drafted in the second round (55th overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the Arizona Coyotes, is coming off of his first season as a Calgary Flame. He appeared in 73 games for the Flames last season and recorded 3 goals and 17 assists for a total of 20 points over that stretch.

This represents a massive increase in pay for Bahl who was previously on a 2 year deal, one he signed with the New Jersey Devils, and that deal carried an average annual value and cap hit of just $1.05 million.

This is a big contract for the Flames to be giving out but it may be one that represents the new reality that teams will be operating under in a National Hockey League where the salary cap is expected to skyrocket over the next 3 years.