Florida Panthers‘ 7th year defenseman Brent Regner(37) signed a two-year two-way deal on opening day of unrestricted free agency and is realizing his first NHL recall and game through a career that was certainly promising coming out of the gate but went through a period on a pair of minor league contracts and even a couple games in the ECHL to finding his way back on the big league payroll.
In his debut, he skated 16 shifts for 12:22 of ice time including :15 shorthanded. He had had 1 shot, 2 hits, 1 breakup and 1 giveaway with a 0 rating in a 3-2 overtime loss.
The 26-year could be just getting started now that he’s finally found the show, as he plays a hard-hitting style in the defensive zone and can move the puck for offense.
He averages 20 assists a year in the AHL. With 12 already in the current season with affiliate Portland Pirates he looks to once again reach that mark.
Regardless of what happens this is a feel good story already for an almost forgotten former 5th round pick.
Brent Regner(28) Peoria Rivermen
Columbus Blue Jackets‘ 5th round pick in the 2008 draft (#137 overall), defenseman Brent Regner(28) found himself without a team heading into his fourth pro season, despite putting up career high games played, assists and points (75 – 29 – 31) with Springfield Falcons in 2011/2012.
Turns out the Jackets weren’t interested in qualifying him for another campaign and cut ties with the 23-year old, who also displayed better on-ice accountability with a +4 plus/minus.
No worries as Peoria Rivermen stepped in an offered the 6′ 190 lbs. blue liner a one-year AHL contract for 2012/2013.
In 181 AHL games he has 12 goals and 58 assists. With the NHL lockout looming, he may be in a dog fight for a spot on his new team’s roster.
He also was a part of the fabled 2007 Vancouver Giants‘ squad that captured the Memorial Cup.