Brian Burke has officially started to make some moves as the Calgary Flames have acquired forward Kevin Westgarth in exchange for prospect Greg Nemisz.

Nemisz, a first round selection by the Calgary Flames in 2008, played a total of 15 NHL games with Calgary over the course of six professional years. Nemisz has slowly fallen down the depth chart of the Flames and was no longer seen to be a part of their future.

Given that Burke is known to like to have big bodied, hard nosed players on his roster, 29 year old Westgarth fits the bill given his reputation in the league as a tough customer when it comes to dropping the mitts. Westgarth has fought just about every heavy weight in the league during his seven professional years between the AHL and NHL.

Do not expect more than 4th line, limited minutes with this new acquisition who is likely to be called upon for games where the opposition typically ices a few bruisers themselves. Westgarth has averaged around 35 games per season in the past three years and will see time with Lance Bouma and Brian McGrattan.

The 6'4, 235lbs forward should help in terms of adding size and muscle to this group which Burke most recently described as "too small".

While not a very big move, excuse the pun, I expect a little more action to follow the next week or two from Burke & Co.

Below is a fight between Westgarth and Toronto's Frazer McLaren for your viewing pleasure.



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