Washington Capitals‘ defenseman Julien Brouilette(29) waited six pro seasons before scoring his first NHL contract.
He was signed for the last couple years with AHL affiliate Hershey Bears and in camp with the parent club, so was definitely being watched.
The still small-ish 5’11” 196 lbs. blue liner is having a career year for goals, 9 in 37 games and is on his way to a new high for overall points.
On his first recall he notch his first point, an assist and left the game with a +2 rating. In his next appearance he would score his first goal, the game winner, and had another +2 in a second team win.
The 27-year old skated a single game with ECHL affiliate Reading Royals last season and this year is on a short list for recalls to the show.
He started his pro career in the double A league under contracts with Columbia Inferno, Charlotte Checkers twice and Greenville Road Warriors, but ended up skating double the amount of games in 2010/2011 with Lake Erie Monsters. This was just the start of his ascent.
Playing his junior hockey with he showed an early offensive upside posting over 40 assists in his final pair of campaigns.
This is a ton of hard work in progress, but from early games in the big league seems like a good player to have around.
Original story 3/2-14.
After playing under contract with Winnipeg Jets‘ last season, spending all but one appearance with the big club in the minors, heading into his 9th year he will test the waters overseas as he has signed on with Karlskrona of the SHL and should do well playing a more wide open system.
See related: 10/23-12
