I didn't think that the flames would pull it off but they were able to do it...
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4298436Scratch the highest-profile defenseman off Wednesday's free-agent list.
Jay Bouwmeester agreed to terms on a five-year deal with the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night, forgoing unrestricted free agency.
The Flames took a gamble Saturday at the NHL entry draft and sent a third-round pick and the rights to Jordan Leopold to the Florida Panthers in exchange for the rights to Bouwmeester.
Bouwmeester, a native of Edmonton, completed his sixth season with the Panthers in 2008-09, recording 42 points with 15 goals and 27 assists.
The six-foot-four, 213-pounder has 203 points in 471 career NHL games. He was picked with the third overall draft pick by the Florida Panthers in 2002.
ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun and the Associated Press contributed to this report.