Category: Profile

08Sep

David Kolomatis(6) Los Angeles Kings

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Manchester Monarchs‘ defenseman David Kolomatis(6) is heading into the final season of his 3-year entry level deal with Los Angeles Kings, yet it will be his fourth season in the prospect system.

In a strange arrangement for his rookie season, he signed a series of pto’s with the Monarchs.

His numbers through three AHL seasons have stayed relatively the same, reaching 20+ assists in each of the campaigns. The relatively small-ish looking blue liner at 5’11” 195 lbs. did suffer his first career injury sidetracking him for some of 2011/2012.

One increasing attribute to his game is his improved, more accountable defensive zone play.

Chances are he’ll put up career high numbers in 2012/2013, but it still might leave him short on the depth chart to make his first NHL appearance.

The 23-year old was originally a Kings‘ 5th round pick in the 2009 draft (#126 overall), which strangely fell after he signed a pto with Providence Bruins at the end of the 2008/2009 regular season.

30Apr

Zach Sill(11) WBS Penguins

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Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins‘ 3rd year undrafted center Zach Sill(11) isn’t exactly known for his prolific goal scoring/point production: 10 goals, 7 assists in 68 AHL games this season.

But sometimes it’s not how many but when they happen and his 2nd of the AHL Calder Cup Quarterfinals was the gwg in the pivotal game 5 vs. Hershey Bears to move them along to the next round.

The 6′ 200 lbs. forward signed his first NHL contract, a two-year two-way deal, in 2011 that keeps him in the Pittsburgh system through the end of 2013.

He’s played 223 career games with Baby Pens scoring 29 goals and 34 assists.

The 23-year old will be looking to impress in the next training camp, especially considering the quick playoff exit of the highly touted parent club.

07Oct

Matt Bartkowski(43) Boston Bruins

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2nd year Boston Bruins defenseman, Matt Bartkowski(43) impressed enough at training camp to score himself a spot in the lineup on opening night. He appeared in 6 games for them last season

Originally picked by Florida in the 7th round of the 2008 draft (#190 overall), he played most of his rookie season in the AHL with Providence appearing in 69 games picking up 5 goals and 18 assists. Only real downside was his -18 plus/minus.

05Oct

Dale Weise(23) Vancouver Canucks

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Still looking to add the right measure of toughness to their starting lineup on opening night, Vancouver Canucks claims forward Dale Weise(23) off waivers from New York Rangers. He was impressive in training camp for the Blueshirts but was one of a few odd-men out when it came down to the final cuts. It’s doubtful the Rangers thought they would lose the big guy (6’2″ 206 lbs.) on his first trip through the wire post his 3-year entry level deal.

He needs to stay healthy (had issues last year) but could be an effective fourth line agitator with the ability to put the puck in the net from time-to-time.

Connecticut Whale will miss this guy.

10/20: Weise scores his 1st NHL goal.

26Sep

Nick Niedert(39) Mississippi RiverKings

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8th year veteran goaltender Nick Niedert(39) was first reported last Spring to be returning to Danbury Whalers for another season after successfully guarding the net for them in 2010/2011.

But then just recently word has it that he will heading down south to play for the first year SPHL Mississippi RiverKings (formerly of the Central Hockey League, where the team spent 19 years). It will be their 20th season as a pro hockey organization.

He’s small at 5’8″ 185 lbs but plays aggressively and has shown flashes of brilliance at the single A level. Last season he led the league in a number of categories, including games and minutes played, saves and shutouts (a measly 2 in the FHL, a league know for more football-like scores).

10Aug

Mike Blunden(12) Montreal Canadiens

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6th year pro (drafted in 2005, round 2 #43 overall by Chicago), right wing Mike Blunden(12) joins Montreal Canadiens‘ system for 2011/2012. He was traded in early July by Columbus for Ryan Russell, whose twin brother Kris Russell already plays for the Blue Jackets.

Blunden(12) has played 51 games in the NHL, registering only 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists). He likely be a contributor for the team’s AHL affiliate in Hamilton.

10/23: Blunden gets his 1st call-up by Montreal.

08May

Erik Condra(11) Binghamton/Ottawa Senators

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Binghamton Senators AHL Calder Cup playoff roster was stocked with 8 Ottawa call-ups to start the postseason.

2006 7th round pick (#211 overall), winger Erik Condra(11) spent 26 games in the NHL this season and rung up 11 points (6 goals, 5 assists).

The second year player has contributed big for Binghamton to help them advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2003, when they were the Binghamton Rangers.