Category: AHL

05Sep

Justin Soryal(47) Carolina Hurricanes / Connecticut Whale

Posted in AHL, NHL | Leave a comment

After three years in the New York Rangers organization, fearless tough guy Justin Soryal(47) was snapped up on the second day of free agency by Carolina Hurricanes and signed to a one-year, two-way deal that will most likely have him see most of the 2011/2012 season wearing a Charlotte Checkers‘ sweater.

He has yet to play in his first NHL game but the undrafted forward could see some of his first action this season. He’s definitely first and foremost there to protect other players but it wouldn’t hurt him to put a couple more pucks in the net either. He’s got good size (6’2″ 215 pounds) to stand in front and screen the goalie.

05Sep

Jon Rheault(26) Calgary Flames / Abbotsford Heat

Posted in AHL, ECHL, NHL | Leave a comment

5th round 2006 Flyers draft pick (#145 overall) Jon Rheault(26) may have found his niche in Calgary Flames organization. Last season was a breakthrough year for the 4th year pro with their AHL affiliate Abbotford Heat (34 points, 12 goals & 22 assists) in 79 games and really being on the cusp of getting a call-up but heard that it was more of a numbers game than anything keeping him from his NHL debut. I expect him to get his first action in the show with Calgary, if not this season than next for the 25-year old.

He played his college hockey at Providence College from 2004-2008.

05Sep

Patrick Mullen(14) Manchester Monarchs

Posted in AHL, ECHL, NHL | Leave a comment

patrick-mullen-2

3rd year defensemen Patrick Mullen(14) accepted the one-year, two-way qualifying offer to stay in the Los Angeles Kings‘ system for another year.

He’s spent the first two years of his pro career with their AHL affiliate, Manchester Monarchs with last season as a bit of a breakout season for the undrafted 2009 signing

He picked up 20 points (3 goals, 17 assists) in 67 games played and made an appearance in all 7 postseason games for the team.

If he can continue on this path, look for him to score a NHL call-up maybe even in the 2011/2012 season.

03Sep

Benn Olson(38) Bridgeport Sound Tigers / New York Islanders

Posted in AHL, ECHL, NHL | Leave a comment

4th year agitator defenseman Benn Olson(36) was in New York Islanders‘ rookie camp this summer and will also be with the team during training camp.

He signed a one-way AHL deal with Bridgeport Sound Tigers for 2011/2012 season after playing 17 games for the team last year picking up 3 points and 78 pims.

Undrafted, he’s fairly large at 6’4″ 215lbs and could be viewed as sort of a poor man’s Chris Pronger.

02Sep

David Ling(21) HC Val Pusteria / Providence Bruins

Posted in AHL, NHL | Leave a comment

Veteran forward David Ling(21) enters his 17th year pro signing a contract to play with HC Val Pusteria (Wolves) of the Italian Hockey League.

He was originally drafted in 1993 by Quebec Nordiques in the 7th round (#179 overall) and has skated in 93 NHL games. For the last 5 or so seasons he’s played mostly overseas stopping back to skate in the AHL with Toronto Marlies ’07/’08 and last year with Providence Bruins.

At 36 years old, it seems like the little guy (a generous 5’10” 197lb) just won’t quit.

01Sep

Dylan Yeo(29) Ontario Reign / Hershey Bears

Posted in AHL, ECHL, NHL | Leave a comment

Defenseman Dylan Yeo(29) signed a deal with Ontario Reign for the 2011/2012 season, his 5th pro year.

For the past two seasons he was under a two-way contract with Hershey Bears. Last year’s 27 games with the team on call-up from South Carolina Stingrays were career highs for games played and points (1 goal, 5 assists). He started his pro career with Manitoba Moose/Victoria Salmon Kings spending two years with them.

By joining the Reign, it’s likely he sees a possible opening in Manchester to fill.

01Sep

Bobby Sanguinetti(6) Carolina Hurricanes

Posted in AHL, NHL | Leave a comment

bobby-sanguinetti

4th year defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti(6) knows its time to step up in his 2nd season with Carolina Hurricanes‘ organization.

He was New York Rangers‘ 2006 1st round selection (#21 overall) but unceremoniously dished to the Hurricanes for a couple of draft picks in 2010.

He missed most of last season with an injury but came back early, which impressed them enough to re-sign him. He has plenty to prove considering all the hype surrounding him coming out of juniors.

30Aug

Ryan Keller(28) Edmonton Oilers / Binghamton Senators

Posted in AHL, NHL | Leave a comment

Binghamton Senators‘ captain Ryan Keller(28) leaves the team after two years and 6 games with Ottawa, his first in the NHL. He failed to register a point and last year never received a call-up but was a force in the AHL with Binghamton, leading the team to a memorable Calder Cup Championship.

He signed a one-year, two-way deal with Edmonton Oilers, which may get him some more NHL playing time opportunities but mostly he will be counted on to lift Oklahoma City Barons to deeper playoff contention than their first round exit this past season.

We’ll miss him in the Eastern Conference.