CollegeHockeyPlayers

11 year defenseman Chad Ruhwedel(5) finds himself in a new uniform for the 1st time in 8 seasons.

He has been with Pittsburgh Penguins, but was just moved for a 4th round draft pick to New York Rangers, who saw use for him as they look to make a deep run in the playoffs.

The 5’11” 182 lbs. blue liner originally made his debut under NHL contract with Buffalo Sabres, getting his feet wet with a few games.

He did 3 seasons at UMass Lowell Riverhawks after 2 USHL stints for Sioux Falls Stampede.

From all places, San Diego, CA, the 33-year old’s best season was post-COVID, when he notched 4 goals and 9 assists and he also won the 2017, when he 1st moved to his 2nd team.

He plays 5 games in a Blueshirts‘ jersey and they want him to return for a full frame in 2024/2025.

For a 2nd straight season, he plays 5 games with the big club and records an assist.

He is really strong with affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack, scoring 3 goals and 15 assists in 50 games with a +12 rating.

Well, let’s see: 369 NHL games, 261 in the AHL and 12 pro seasons with 1 Stanley Cup is a good run and the 35 year old is ready to find something new to do with his ice time.

Arizona State University Sun Devils‘ senior defenseman Ty Murchison(4) may not score all that much with twice having 7 point seasons as his college high, but left school a very accountable +17 rating to sign a 2-year NHL entry level deal with draft team (5th round, 2021, #158 overall) Philadelphia Flyers.

The 6’2″ 205 lbs. blue liner signed an ato to join affiliate Lehigh Valley Phantoms at the end of school, scoring a 1 AHL goal and 1 assist in 4 games with a +2 rating.

From Corona, CA, the 22-year old followed a good path through LA Kings‘ youth program to a 2 years of USNTDP before college.

Clarkson University Golden Knights‘ junior defenseman Trey Taylor(2) finishes up last season with a college best 9 goals and 20 assists in 39 games with a +2 rating that catches the attention of Dallas Stars, who sign the unrestricted free agent to a 2-year NHL entry level deal.

The 6’2″ 190 lbs. blue liner did 1 outstanding USHL session before school.

From Richmond, BC, the 24-year old scored

Undrafted 5th year right wing Vinni Lettieri(10) re-ups for a 2nd season in Anaheim Ducks‘ organization.

He only played 5 NHL games in 2020/2021, but lit up the scoresheet with affiliate San Diego Gulls, scoring 14 goals and 12 assists in 22 AHL games, adding another 3 points in 3 playoff contests.

The 5’11” 185 lbs. forward was originally signed to a 2-year entry level deal by New York Rangers after graduating from University Of Minnesota Golden Gophers, where he was a point-per-game player as a senior.

He was also a solid goal scorer in high school and one year of juniors for Lincoln Stars of the USHL.

The 26-year old has played 52 games in the big league, scoring 2 goals and 6 assists with a dismal -21 rating, but we think he’s one solid scoring line away from being an impact player.

In 2021/2022, he was given his best chance yet to become a permanent member at the higher level, appearing in a career best 31 games, scoring 5 goals and 5 assists.

Boston Bruins lean in on the opening day of free agency offering a 1-year, 2-way deal at almost a 1-way rate and he’s on board and will likely compete for any open roster spots available.

He scores a career best 26 assists and 49 points last season to earn himself a nice 2-year deal with Minnesota Wild, worth just below the average of a 1-way deal.

There’s little doubt he’ll be seeing a lot of playing time for Iowa Wild, but could score a recall as he did once last season.

He actually spends 46 games with contract club, scoring 5 goals and 4 assists and actually finds himself traded back to Boston, where he will compete for a spot once again.

An unrestricted free agent, who saw some good usefulness and an ability to connect, he is signed by Toronto Maple Leafs, who eye him for a possible spot in their lineup or he continues to score big in the minors.

University Of Minnesota Golden Gophers‘ graduate captain, center Jaxon Nelson(82) went undrafted, but Boston Bruins signed him to a 1-year NHL entry level deal upon graduation after scoring new college bests 19 goals and 12 assists with a +14 last season.

The 6’4″ 220 lbs. plays the power forward style.

He did 3 USHL campaigns of juniors after potting 70 goals in his senior year at Luverne High USHS-MN.

Signing an ato with Providence Bruins last season, he appeared in 7 games and scored a 1st AHL goal.

The 24-year old is in rookies training camp and looks ready to get started.

After 35 games with 2 goals and 7 assists with a 0 rating, he is not qualified to stay, so signs with Iowa Heartlanders for 2025/2026.