The Calgary Flames announced today that they have signed forwards Akim Aliu and Paul Byron.

“Akim made tremendous strides in getting his career development path back on track this past season in Abbotsford and he was rewarded for his hard work by receiving an end-of-season recall to Calgary,” said Flames General Manager Jay Feaster.

“In his two games with our Club he showed that he is a very good skater, is willing to play a strong physical game and can also score goals at the NHL level. We really like the tools Akim possesses and the passion he brings to his game. We are confident that, given Akim’s talent and ability, along with his solid work ethic, if he also continues to believe in his coaches and our organizational commitment to him, he will soon realize his dream of becoming a full-time player in the NHL.”

Aliu played in his first two NHL games this season, recording two goals and an assist. Born in Okene, Nigeria, Aliu recorded 10 goals and four assists for 14 points and 59 penalty minutes in 42 games with Abbotsford.

AKIM ALIU – RIGHT WING
BORN: Okene, Nigeria DATE: April 24, 1989
HEIGHT: 6’3’’ WEIGHT: 205 lbs.
SHOOTS: Right
HOW ACQUIRED: Trade with WPG in exchange for John Negrin on January 30, 2012.
DRAFTED: CHI – 2nd round (56th overall) in the 2007 NHL Draft

“Paul was a very valuable depth player for us last season and had a solid playoff-run with Abbotsford,” said Feaster. “Paul looked right at home during his various recalls to Calgary and he demonstrated that he can score goals at the NHL level. He continues to knock on the door of becoming a full-time NHL player, and we are confident that given his commitment, dedication and solid work ethic he will take the steps necessary to make the jump to the next level.”

Byron, a native of Ottawa, Ontario played 22 games with the Flames this season recording 3 goals and 2 assists. In another 39 games with the Heat, he had 7 goals and 14 assists along with 40 penalty minutes.
#32 PAUL BYRON - CENTRE
BORN: Ottawa, ON DATE: April 27, 1989
HEIGHT: 5’10’’ WEIGHT: 180 lbs.
SHOOTS: Left
DRAFTED: BUF – 6th round (179th overall) in the 2007 NHL Draft
HOW ACQUIRED: Trade with Buffalo along with Chris Butler in exchange for Robyn Regehr, Alex Kotalik and Calgary’s 2nd round pick in 2012 NHL Draft