Foo cites opportunity on right side for decision to join Flames

In the end it was opportunity that steered Spencer Foo toward signing with the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night.

The highly-touted NCAA prospect out of Union College was courted by several teams before picking the Flames due in large part to the perceived hole on the team's right side.

"A couple different reasons. One was opportunity," Foo said, according to Wes Gilberton of Postmedia. "The Flames have a really good opportunity on the right side and have a lot of exciting players down the middle and on the left wing to play with. So I figured that pretty much whoever I'm playing with on the Flames, they're going to be great linemates, and that's exciting."

It certainly makes sense.

On Monday the team announced it was not sending Alex Chiasson a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent and freeing up a spot on the right side. That leaves three other right wingers currently plugged into spots: Troy Brouwer, Michael Frolik, and Curtis Lazar, meaning Foo should indeed get a strong chance to make the club this season.

It was believed that Foo's decision ultimately came down to the Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, and possibly the Vegas Golden Knights, according to Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal.

"The other thing is that the Flames are right on the cusp of winning," Foo said. "That's what they believe, that's what I believe, and that was a big reason in making the decision. Obviously, I want to win, and it seems like it's going to be pretty exciting times for Calgary over the next few years."

Following the announcement of the signing, Foo received a welcomed shout-out from new teammate Johnny Gaudreau, which the 23-year-old was ecstatic about.

"I mean, that's incredible," said Foo. "I hope to be a great teammate to him."

If Foo can just replicate some of the magic that saw him post 26 goals and 62 points in 38 games this season, he would certainly make one heck of a teammate.