The Flames have agreed to terms with one of their more promising prospects. The team announced (Twitter link) that they’ve signed winger Jacob Battaglia to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal will carry an AAV of $931.7K and while not specified by the club, it will begin next season.
The 19-year-old was a late second-round pick last year, going 62nd overall after a promising sophomore season with OHL Kingston. After potting seven goals and 20 assists as a rookie, those numbers jumped to 31 and 34, respectively, in 67 outings in 2023-24.
This season, Battaglia was able to add to those totals once again. He finished up the campaign with 40 goals and 50 helpers in 68 games, good for a share of the team lead in scoring with Vegas prospect Tuomas Uronen. Battaglia had a pair of assists in yesterday’s playoff opener as well.
As Battaglia won’t turn 20 until next March, playing in the minors next season won’t be an option. He’ll have to make Calgary’s roster or be returned to Kingston. The latter scenario is much more likely and in that instance, his deal will slide and still have three years left on it heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Had the pleasure of watching this kid play up close and personal and I said from the first time I watched him play in Kingston – he’s going to be an NHLer. Nice to see him signing his first pro deal.
Is he related to former NHLer Bates Battaglia???
No.
Loved Bates though. The BBC line in their 2002 run (Battaglia, Brind’Amour, Cole) was fun.