10th year veteran center Francis Wathier(11) was for the first time in his long career without a contract heading into 2014/2015.
Previously he had been in Dallas Stars‘ prospect system from the get-go. He was originally their 6th round pick in the 2003 draft (#185 overall).
The sizable 6’4″ 210 lbs. forward has a lengthy 525 game career in the AHL but only 10 NHL contests to his credit with zero points.
He’s not exactly a wizard on the score sheet with the farm teams either scoring 91 goals and 107 assists but he a ceaseless battler and although keeps his time in the penalty box to a minimum is unafraid to drop the mitts, usually good for at least 6-12 fights a year.
The 30-year old unrestricted free agent was an invite to Toronto Maple Leafs‘ training camp and released early.
He next arrived in affiliate Toronto Marlies‘ camp but was also let go.
He signed at pto joining Portland Pirates a couple weeks into the new season and has found his spot as he signed his first minor league contract recently to play the entire year with the team.