8th year center Casey Wellman(29) heads back to the KHL signing for 2017/2018 with HK Sochi after a season in the SHL with Frolunda Indians. where he helped them win the 2017 Champions Hockey League title, leading the tournament in goals and points with 8 and 14.
He had less success in his first tour of Russia scoring only 8 goals and 8 assists for Spartak Moskva in 40 games but maybe they were watching as he’s once again elevated his game.
His best offensive output was 2014/2015, a third year in Washington Capitals‘ system.
He played a career high 73 AHL games for affiliate Hershey Bears scoring new bests 25 goals and 29 assists for 54 points with a +6 rating, then added another 6 points (3-3) in 10 postseason match-ups.
In his prior campaign, he received his shot at the big league playing a decent 13 NHL games, while grabbing a pair of goals and an assist with a +3.
This was his last stint in North America before deciding to split for overseas.
The 29-year old will turn 30 as the new season arrives but we’d say he still has plenty left in the tank.
Casey Wellman(19) Connecticut Whale
Undrafted 2nd year center Casey Wellman(19) was involved in a pre-deadline deal that sent him from Minnesota Wild‘s AHL affiliate Houston Aeros to New York Rangers‘ AHL team, Connecticut Whale.
He played 41 NHL games with the Wild over three seasons, including 12 contests fresh out of college. He’s managed 4 goals and 9 assists.
In the AHL he’s basically a point per game performer. He has 6 goals and 6 assists in 12 games with the Whale since the deal and had 28 goals and 32 assists in 68 games with the Aeros from 2009 – 2011. He also contributed 11 points (6 goals, 5 assists) in 24 Calder Cup Playoff games last season.
At 24 years old, 6′ 186 lbs. he still needs to put some more muscle into his game before he sticks with an NHL team.
He may get that opportunity in training camp next season with the Rangers, if he can agree to a new deal in the offseason.
7/20-12: In a bit of a surprising move, Wellman gets traded to Florida Panthers for a 5th round 2014 draft pick. He signed a one-year, two-way contract for 2012/2013.