The Calgary Flames added Jay Bouwmeester to their already impressive defense corps, at least for the next four days.

Bouwmeester, eligible to become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday, was acquired by Calgary in a trade with the Florida Panthers yesterday.

Florida acquired Jordan Leopold, also on the verge of free agency, and a third-round pick.

The trade gives Flames general manager Darryl Sutter a window of exclusivity in negotiating a new contract with Bouwmeester.

Those who thought more major trades would follow were disappointed. Toronto general manager Brian Burke noted that it is difficult to find a trading partner willing to take on multi-year deals in the current economy.

"Right now, if you've got contracts of any term on them, it's really hard to move guys," Burke said. "I thought there'd be more activity but I'm not quite sure why there wasn't."

With Dion Phaneuf and Robyn Regehr already anchoring Calgary's defense, the Flames decided to take a run at one of the top young defensemen in the game.

"The test will be if they sign him," Burke said.

"If they sign him, then it was a very successful gamble. I mean, this kid's a good player."

A 6-foot-4, 214-pound native of Edmonton, Bouwmeester, 25, had spent his entire career with Florida, which drafted him third overall in 2002.

Bouwmeester, who had 15 goals and 27 assists last season, never made a playoff appearance in six full seasons with the Panthers. He has 53 goals and 150 assists in 471 games.

The Flames also traded defenseman Jim Vandermeer to Phoenix in exchange for center Brandon Prust.

Ten-time All-Star Teemu Selanne has decided to play another season with the Anaheim Ducks. Selanne's decision came a day after defenseman Scott Niedermayer, who turns 36 in August, told the team he is coming back. Selanne turns 39 next week. The Finnish-born Selanne is the Ducks' all-time scoring leader with 352 goals, including 59 winners, and 743 points.

Minnesota acquired center Kyle Brodziak and a sixth-round pick from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for the Wild's fourth- and fifth-round picks. Brodziak, 25, recorded 27 points in 79 games for the Oilers last season. The 6-foot-2 Alberta native likely will be the Wild's checking-line center next season.