11th year pro Bracken Kearns(38) took in his first season overseas skating for Blues of Finland’s SM-liiga in 2014/2015.
He scored 10 goals with 10 assists in 45 games, which is an off-year for the decently high scoring (in the minors) forward.
It probably didn’t help that he notched no points in four postseason games.
Regardless, one year away was enough and he quickly signed for a season with New York Islanders and was an early reassignment to affiliate Bridgeport Sound Tigers, where he and some other veterans brought in will lead a good group of young pups.
The 34-year old is happy to be back or something because he’s a top five scorer in the AHL with 10 goals, 9 assists for 19 points in 20 games with a +11.
He’s easily the most veteran player to be lighting it up the way he is.
Kind of crazy to think he looks to be having a career year for goal scoring but that 36 assist mark in 2009/2010 with Rockford IceHogs will be tough to beat.
His last NHL call up was 2014 for 25 games with San Jose Sharks (3-2-5) in mainly limited fourth line agitator role.
He’s in line…he has 31 games experience.
Bracken Kearns(16) Worcester Sharks
8th year undrafted veteran center Bracken Kearns(16) signed a 1-year, two-way deal with San Jose Sharks just as free agency started in the offseason.
The 6′ 195 lbs. forward was coming off one of his best all around seasons in the AHL with San Antonio Rampage, where he posted a career high 22 goals and 52 points in 69 games and added another 7 points in 10 postseason contests.
He also played in his first 5 NHL games on a couple of recalls by Florida Panthers but failed to register a point in roughly 7 minutes of playing time a night.
The 31-year old brings a gritty style game to the table and can definitely connect on the scoresheet. He also knows that it takes hard work on the ice to achieve his goals having come up from over 100 games in the ECHL in his first couple pro seasons to make his mark felt in the higher level of play.
In just 10 games with Worcester Sharks to start 2012/2013 he already has 3 goals and 5 assists, roughly putting him on pace for another record setting season.