Veteran tough guy Wiemer returns to Flames

CALGARY, Alberta -- Forward Jason Wiemer returned to the Calgary Flames on Thursday after splitting last season with the New York Islanders and the Minnesota Wild.

Wiemer, an unrestricted free agent, adds muscle to the team following the loss of Krzysztof Oliwa, who signed with New Jersey. Wiemer earned $1.62 million last season.

"Jason is a good signing for us as he fits the identity we have created for our hockey club in Calgary," general manager Darryl Sutter said Thursday. "At 28 years old he is in the right age group of our building process."

Wiemer, 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, had eight goals, 14 assists and 130 penalty minutes last year. He also has played for Tampa Bay and Florida.

"I'm thrilled to return to Calgary and the Flames organization," he said. "The way the team played during last season's playoffs and the way the city rallied around the club had a lot to do with my decision to come back."

He was drafted eighth overall in 1994 by the Lightning.

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