4th year defenseman Brady Austin(3) was left without a qualifying offer from draft team Buffalo Sabres as his three-year entry level deal was expiring.
Unable to pick up a new big league deal the very sizable blue liner agreed to a pto with Cleveland Monsters.
One month in and he rightfully picks up a standard player contract.
He is seemingly off to a bit of a hot start (1 goal, 2 assists in 6 AHL games) for a d-man that isn’t ever known for picking up lots of points.
It’s very possible the 24-year old will take his game to a new level in the minors and play himself into a spot where he gets another NHL look or sets up the best possible overseas league as his new path.
Brady Austin (67)
Buffalo Sabres‘ 7th round pick in the 2012 draft (#193 overall), extra big 6’4″ 234 lbs. 3rd year defenseman Brady Austin(67) had a strong NHL debut skating 27 shifts for 15:37 total ice with 3 shots, 2 penalty minutes and 1 hit in a 2-1 win.
The upcoming restricted free agent had a pair of 20, one 20+ year as an overage skater in the OHL but is most considered a strong, stay-at-home style blue liner.
He’s played 199 AHL games with affiliate Rochester Americans scoring 5 goals and 25 assists on a squad that will miss the playoffs for a third straight season with him in the ranks.
The soon-to-be 24-year old is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of 2016/2017, when his entry level deal expires but it looks like almost a sure bet to pick up at least a one-year extension to continue.