Flames sign Jackman

During the last couple of days' flurry of NHL free-agent activity, Minnesota State hockey alum Tim Jackman signed with the Calgary Flames for two years.. This will be Jackman's fifth NHL team since leaving MSU after the 2001-02 season. He spent the last three years with the New York Islanders.

Jackman, 28, has carved out a niche as a grinder, leading the Isles in penalty minutes the last two years and hits in 2008-09. The right wing has just 11 NHL goals and 17 assists in 191 games.

Jackman was the first former Maverick to play in the NHL and, until Tyler Pitlick was drafted No. 31 overall last weekend, was the school's highest-ever draft pick, going No. 38 to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2001.