Vancouver Canucks have picked up unrestricted free agent Brady Keeper(25) as his one-year extension to stay in Florida Panthers‘ system was up.
And even though the undrafted, 6’2″ 196 lbs. blue liner has only ever skated 2 NHL games, he is given a 2-year one-way deal to come play zone in the big league.
He originally came from three seasons of juniors in the MJHL for OCN Blizzard, serving as captain in his final session, before committing to University Of Maine Black Bears.
The Cross Lake, MB native played one full AHL campaign for affiliate Springfield Thunderbirds, earning 6 goals and 18 assists in 61 games.
He was loaned last season to Syracuse Crunch, where he figured into 11 games, scoring a goal and 2 assists.
They must see something in the 25-year old that looks ready to step it up full-time and it just may work.
He wouldn’t actually figure into any games for 2021/2022 after breaking 2 major bones in his leg, but returned for the next frame, contributing 1 goal and 5 assists in 35 games.
For 2023/2024, he has options and signs with Montreal Canadiens, but really is on a high-priced minor league deal with affiliate Laval Rocket.
He only figures into 22 games last season, but his accountability is good.
For 2024/2025, he signs with HK Poprad of Slovak Extraliga, which should provide the challenge the 28-year old needs.