Category: NHL

29Aug

Jonathan Cheechoo(14) St. Louis Blues / Worcester Sharks

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After playing one season with Worcester Sharks (signed to successive pto’s with the team), former 2005-2006 NHL Rocket Richard Trophy winner with 56 goals while playing with San Jose, Jonathan Cheechoo(14) signed a one-year, two-way deal with St. Louis Blues that will likely see him report to their AHL affiliate Peoria Rivermen to start the ’11/’12 season.

The contract will earn him $600,000 if he plays with the Blues and $105,000 with the Rivermen. We wish the 31-year old best of luck at another crack in the NHL.  It is believed he signed with St. Louis because his chances are at least decent with the team.

28Aug

Mark Mancari(25) Vancouver Canucks / Buffalo Sabres / Portland Pirates

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After 6 years in the Buffalo system and a career year in NHL games played and points (20 games, 1 goal and 7 assists), Mark Mancari(25) gets cut loose by the Sabres.

Vancouver stepped in immediately and signed him to a 0ne-way deal for the league minimum $525,000. He’ll be fighting for an open spot in the Canucks lineup for opening night, but even if he gets sent down, it’s to play with Chicago Wolves, which isn’t exactly the worst AHL city to end up in.

It’s time for him to step up and become a full-time NHLer.

 

28Aug

Bobby Butler (12)

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Marlborough, MA born, UNH hockey spawned, Bobby Butler(12) just earned himself a 2-year one-way contract with Ottawa Senators.

The Sens have now done this with a few of their younger guys that helped Binghamton win the Calder Cup.

The money of the deal is said to be $2.15 million but more importantly it’s the beginning of establishing himself as an NHL caliber forward.

He doesn’t have much size; listed at 6’0″ 185lb and that’s stretching it.

He does however have an absolute howitzer of a wrist shot.

27Aug

Adam Henrique(17) New Jersey / Albany Devils

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Going into the 2nd year of his three-year entry level contract (2008 draft, round 3 #82 overall), Adam Henrique(17) skated his entire rookie season with Albany. That is until the last game of the season, when he was called up to New Jersey to see some action. He was called-up a couple of other times but was a healthy scratch.

The small sampling on ice has left him wanting more and word has it he is fully intent on making the Devils‘ NHL starting lineup out of camp this season.

He scored a healthy 25 goals to go along with 25 assists in the AHL and looks impressive enough to land a spot. The only problem is the team has a good amount of depth at the center position, although their is that lingering void that veteran Travis Zajac leaves open as he recovers from his very recent Achilles tendon surgery.

With the Windsor Spitfires, Henrique won two straight Memorial Cups in 2008 and 2009.

27Aug

Matt Anderson(29) Albany Devils

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matt-anderson-2

Undrafted, 5th year pro Matt Anderson(29) is just starting to get on folks radar.

Last season, his first with the Devils‘ organization, was spent entirely with their AHL affiliate, Albany.

He posted career highs all around (76 games, 23 goals and 32 assists) and appeared in the All-Star game.

He re-signed for 2011/2012 and it’s very possible if New Jersey suffers like they did last season he could earn himself a look.

Or with Travis Zajac out to start the season, maybe he’ll impress enough at camp to start the season in the NHL.

27Aug

Rob Hisey(26) Liwest Black Wings Linz / Bridgeport Sound Tigers

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7th year, undrafted center Rob Hisey(26) has played most of his career in Europe until the last couple of seasons when he returned to North America and skated with Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League and Springfield Falcons in ’09/’10 and last year he was the 2nd leading scorer on Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Well, time’s up again for pro hockey here, as he’s signed with Liwest Black Wings Linz of Austria’s Erst Bank Eishockey Liga (Austrian Hockey League with sponsorship).

The league is already almost finished with their preseason and the regular season starts the second week of September.

25Aug

Casey Borer(28) HC Pardubice

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Former Carolina Hurricanes 3rd round pick (#69 overall) in 2004, defenseman Casey Borer(28) flies the coop after 4 years in the prospect system including 16 NHL games.

Last season was the first he failed to appear in any big league contests playing in 67 games with their AHL affiliate Charlotte Checkers, so the writing had to be on the wall: fell off their depth chart.

For 2011/2012, he signs to play in the Czech Extraliga (Extra League) with HC Pardubice.

 

23Aug

Michael Swift(16) High 1 / Worcester Sharks

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Undrafted center Michael Swift(16) comes off a disappointing 3rd pro season, being traded from Albany to Worcester in a minor league deal, as an unrestricted free agent. His signing options seemed somewhat limited with another team, which is surprising because just one year ago with Lowell Devils he looked to be breaking out and have good potential as a small-sized (5’9″) but skilled goal scorer.

What a difference a year makes. He skips the country and joins High 1 (along with Oren Eizenman) in the Asian League Ice Hockey for 2011/2012.

He’s still fairly young at age 24 and I would expect to see Swifty back in North America with another AHL team after a year or so away.