Category: NHL

21Aug

Trevor Frischmon(19) New York Islanders / Springfield Falcons

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6th year vet, undrafted winger Trevor Frischmon(19) has never experienced pro hockey outside of Columbus Blue Jackets system. He’s played the last five seasons almost exclusively with their AHL affiliates, first in Syracuse and last season in Springfield.

Right after free agency began, the Islanders stepped in to sign the unrestricted free agent to a one-year, two-way contract for 2011/2012.

His point total has continued to rise each season and in ’09/’10 he got in the first NHL games of his career (3 games, 0 points). He’s almost assuredly was signed to help Bridgeport Sound Tigers attempts to reclaim a playoff spot.

 

21Aug

Kyle Ostrow(19) Columbus Blue Jackets / Chicago Express / Portland Pirates

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Undrafted rookie, college standout at University Of Denver, Kyle Ostrow(19) signed a deal with Columbus that will start him in the ECHL with Chicago Express. But first he’ll see some preseason action with their AHL affiliate Springfield Falcons.

It’s just over a month away from the annual P-Bruins‘ preseason tilt, 9/30 at the New England Sports Center and the Falcons just happen to be their opponent this year.

He played 5 games with Portland Pirates at the end of regular season and didn’t look out of place but registered no points. He played no games with them in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

 

20Aug

Marc-Andre Gragnani(17) Buffalo Sabres

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marc-andre-gragnani2

Buffalo Sabres‘ 2005 3rd round draft pick (#84 overall) defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani(17) brought the stuff when it was necessary.

In 9 games last season he had 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists).

Those are also his totals through 15 NHL games played over three seasons.

He was summoned into action for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and this is where he came alive amassing 7 points in 7 games before the team bowed out in the 2nd round.

It’s a bit surprising he qualified with the team for a one-year, two way deal and could see his first playing time with the Amerks since his rookie campaign in 2008.

Last season he recorded the most points in a season (60) for a Portland Pirates‘ defenseman ever, a 2nd year in a row.

19Aug

Tyler Eckford(7) Phoenix Coyotes / Albany Devils

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New Jersey didn’t qualify 4th year defenseman Tyler Eckford(7), who they drafted in 2004, round7  #217 overall. Free to go, Phoenix signed him to a 1-year, 2-way contract soon after free agency started.

He could play some more games in the NHL (he has 7 to his credit, 1 assist), but Portland Pirates are already using him as their lead image on their website, so he’ll likely be seeing more time in the AHL Eastern Conference for a third straight season. He’s appeared in 170 games with Albany and Lowell Devils, who played just an hour and a half down the highway from the Pirates.

18Aug

Tyler Plante(35) Florida Panthers / Rochester Americans

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2005 Florida Panthers 2nd round draft pick (#32 overall) Tyler Plante(35) will mind the net once again in 2011/2011 for the only organization he’s played with during his 4 pro seasons as he re-signed for a one-year, two-way deal. The only difference will be the NHL team’s AHL affiliation has switched to San Antonio Rampage, so he’ll be in Texas instead of Rochester.

For a goaltender that was so highly touted and selected, it’s a bit of a wonder why he’s yet to play an NHL game.

9/14-12: Receives an invite to attend St. John’s IceCaps‘ training camp when it opens, putting their total capable number of net minders for the upcoming season at three. The 25-year old played mostly overseas in 2011/2012.

 

 

18Aug

Matt Dalton(30) Vityaz Chekhov / Providence Bruins

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With nowhere to go in the Bruins‘ system, undrafted, 3rd year pro, goaltender Matt Dalton(30) packs his bags and heads to Russia joining Vityaz Chekhov of the KHL for 2011/2012.

The Bruins decided to not give him a qualifying offer. He’s been mostly uneven in between the pipes for the last couple of seasons with the P-Bruins so that wasn’t surprising.

Providence should make a big Calder Cup playoff bid this year (they’ve missed it two straight seasons) with Anton Khudobin getting signed.

16Aug

Daren Machesney(1) Hershey Bears / Springfield Falcons

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Goaltender Daren Machesney(1) is another player this season that finds his playing career coming full circle.

He rejoins the Washington Capitals system (drafted in the 5th round, #143 overall in 2005). His 1st three pro seasons were spent in net with Hershey Bears. He has yet to play an NHL game but was recalled to play back-up a few times.

Last season he played games for 5 different teams in the AHL and ECHL (Reading, Elmira, Victoria, Worcester, and 1 game for Springfield).

 

16Aug

Michael Ryan(14) Buffalo Sabres / Adirondack Phantoms

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9-year veteran center Michael Ryan(14) comes full circle in his career signing a one-year, two-way deal with Buffalo for 2011/2012. He’s expected to play mostly with Rochester in the AHL. He was drafted back in 1999 by Dallas (2nd round, #32 overall) but never signed by them.

He played the first five years of his career with the Sabres (65 games) / Amerks (210 games).

Last season he played a few games for Springfield but mostly with Adirondack Phantoms, where he put up some impressive numbers (52 games played, 25 goals and 16 assists).