Chicago Blackhawks‘ 7th year left wing Brandon Mashinter(53) was named captain of affiliate club Rockford IceHogs at the beginning of the season.
In 12 AHL games he already struck for a nice three goals and 4 assists before getting his first recall in a year and a half with the parent club.
He was initially acquired in a minor deal from former team New York Rangers and spent the remainder of 2013/2014 and all of last season on the farm putting up decent numbers but really seemed to get it going in eight 2015 Calder Cup Playoff games scoring 3 goals and 3 assists.
The big 6’4″ 212 lbs. power forward is known more for mixing it up with opponents than affecting the score sheet but finally got on the board in his 12 appearance, connecting for his 1st NHL goal.
With extended time in the big league, he looks like he could stay put and has already reached a new season high games played.
The 27-year old is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the current calendar is done but will in all likelihood be retained to continue in a system he looks very comfortable with.
Brandon Mashinter(23) New York Rangers
New York Rangers‘ 4th year undrafted left wing Brandon Mashinter(23) gets his first game in a blue shirt and his second NHL recall with his new team.
He skated 13 games with San Jose Sharks when he was signed to a 3-year entry level deal but failed to connect with any points.
His 1-year extension they gave him for this season will leave the 24-year old unrestricted free agent, so he’s in effect playing for a contract.
He’s already making his mark in the Rangers‘ system with their AHL affiliate Connecticut Whale since arriving in a trade roughly a month ago.
The big 6’4″ 220 lbs. forward has 5 goals and 6 assists in 14 games.
He put up point per game numbers in the final year of junior hockey before turning pro and has been a bit of a boiling kettle when it comes to point production, although has consistently put up more than 30 points in each of his first three years.
He’s also not afraid to drop the mitts and will no doubt be playing that role, but doesn’t spend a lot of time in the box.
It would be no surprise to see him hit the score sheet in his time up in New York.
Nathan McIver(8) vs. Brandon Mashinter(53)
Providence Bruins‘ defenseman Nathan McIver(8) may be his team’s leading fighter and penalty minute leader but he definitely took on a bit too much when he decided to go with Worcester Sharks‘ heavyweight Brandon Mashinter(53).
Brandon Mashinter(53) San Jose Sharks
Brandon Mashinter(53) is seeing his first playing time in the NHL with San Jose in his second season in the system. He’s played 10 games with the big team but has yet to register a point. Some might say that’s not exactly what he there for either. I say to stick you need to contribute on the score sheet too.
Jeremy Reich(17) vs. Brandon Mashinter(53)
Worcester Sharks’ Brandon Mashinter(53) and Providence Bruins’ Jeremy Reich(17) square off late in the third period after tussling earlier.