There were few rumors that picked up on this transaction before it happened. Last week the Flames added depth down the middle for relatively little risk. Sure, Flames fans were scoffing at the 3.7 million price tag of an unproven European hockey player, but that contract is incentive laden. I for one know nothing about Cervenka, know he played one good playoff series in the KHL, and looked better when playing with the likes of Jaromir Jagr last season.

Think about this. Name one KHL player who’s come over to the NHL and performed well? I can’t think of one. Radulov and Jagr don’t count because they were NHLers before. But the ball is in Cervenka’s court while the Flames assume little risk. That should bode well for fans questioning the salary. Here’s Eric Francis on the deal.

The Calgary Sun has obtained his contract information and his $832,500 base salary also comes with a $92,500 signing bonus on a two-way deal that would see him get $70,000 in the minors (where the cap-hit would be buried). His A bonuses could amount to $850,000 as he gets $212,500 for each below to a maximum of four: Top six icetime on team (minimum 42 games), scores 20 goals, 60 points, top three forwards plus/minus, 35 assists, points per game of .73, voted NHL all-rookie team, all-star game appearance, MVP of all-star game. His B bonus would earn him $2 million maximum for any one of: Wins Hart, Richard, Selke or Conn Smythe Trophy, end-of-season first or second all-star team, top 10 NHL forwards in goals, assists, points or powerplay goals. If he is a total bust, he can be sent to the AHL or KHL without penalty…source