New York Islanders wasted little time getting 12th year pro Bracken Kearns(38) back into the system after being a huge help with the prospects in the farm system, Bridgeport Sound Tigers and even chipping in an assist on a pair of NHL games recall.
It would be his 32nd and 33rd appearances in the big league.
While in the minors the veteran of 591 AHL games was taking it up a notch with a career high 23 goals and 53 points with a +17 rating, all team leading stats.
He even had two assists in three postseason contests.
Putting a season best 138 shots on net definitely helped his scoring game, while he also continued to play the feisty, hard-checking game he’s known for.
There’s little chance the recently turned 35-year old is slowing down, if anything he continues to get better with age.
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.