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Jets Sign T.J. Galiardi

After re-signing Matt Halischuk to a one year, two-way contract on Wednesday to much criticism, the Winnipeg Jets have signed forward T.J. Galiardi to a one year contract, according to Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Contract details have not been released, though we will update you once they're known. In the meantime, Galiardi's boxcar stats:

Galiardi, 26, spent last season with the Calgary Flames, scoring 4 goals and 17 points in 62 games. At first glance, those seem like unspectacular but respectable numbers for a bottom-six forward. A second look, however, shows that Galiardi may have a bit more value than initially meets the eye.

From a possession standpoint, Galiardi had a solid season. He posted a 49.5 Corsi for % for the Flames last season at 5-on-5. While 49.5% may not seem like much, it’s pretty impressive on a Calgary Flames team that posted a collective 46.3% and ranks behind only Michael Backlund, Mike Cammallerri, and Paul Byron among Flames’ forwards last season. Galiardi played 3rd-tough competition, but he fared pretty well in those minutes.

From a scoring perspective. Galiardi’s shooting percentage was a career-low 4% with the Flames last season, less than half of his career average. In addition, Galiardi’s scoring came without any power play time; among Flames regulars, only Brian McGrattan saw less time with the man advantage. Finally, Galiardi’s shown some scoring ability in the past, scoring 15 goals and 39 points in 70 games with the Avalanche in 2009-2010 without much power play time. In other words, it seems that when given top-six minutes, Galiardi can score at a top-six rate.

So far, so good. But T.J. Galiardi helps in other ways as well. At six-foot-two, Galiardi provides good size, should that be something that you value. He’s a competent penalty killer. And as pointed out by the always-helpful Justin Azevedo, T.J. Galiardi had one of the best penalty differentials in the league last season. That alone is worth a few extra goals.

Galiardi may not be a high-impact player, but he’s a competent bottom-six forward in the NHL who can help in other ways. If that helps to displace somebody like Chris Thorburn or Anthony Peluso, this is a win for the Jets.

In a matter of just 48 hours, Matt Halischuk has already been replaced.

Ed. Update: The contract is a one year, two-way contract worth $750,000 in the NHL.

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