"When most hockey fans think of Jay Bouwmeester and currency, the immediate thought which comes to mind is his salary.

That number, an average of US$6.68 million per season over five years, has become a sticking point for detractors of the Calgary Flames defenceman, who don't see his offensive output living up to his paycheque.

But the only currency which concerns Flames head coach Brent Sutter is the one he doles out in the form of ice time.

Sutter has been handing out plenty this season to Bouw-

meester and is more than happy with the return on that investment.

"Personally, I don't feel he gets enough credit for what he does," Sutter said of the rangy blueliner.

"It's about how guys are playing and how they're performing. Bo can handle the ice time because of how he plays the game. He's such a good skater and an intelligent player."

As the Flames ready to play host Wednesday night to the Vancouver Canucks, Bouwmeester leads his team with an average of 25 minutes and 49 seconds per game, the fifth highest total in the NHL.

Bouwmeester's production, three goals and nine points, isn't at the level of expectations when he was acquired two summers ago and inked to a long-term contract, but he's doing everything else the club can ask of him.

While logging those minutes, against the top opposing forwards and in all situations, Bouwmeester has posted a team-best plus-8 rating so far this season."