After a season overseas playing hockey in Finland’s Liiga for Tappara, 7th year defenseman David Kolomatis(6) returns to a familiar place signing with Manchester Monarchs.
He spent his first four campaigns as a youngster in the city while under contract with Los Angeles Kings before signing a 2013/2014 deal with Washington Capitals‘ organization and skating for their affiliate Hershey Bears.
The now veteran blue liner had a ok year away from home but put up only half the numbers he was used to scoring. In 64 games he had a goal and 12 assists with a -10 rating.
At 26-years old he grabbed his old jersey number and was smartly named captain of his new ECHL squad, his first time playing in the lower league.
He definitely has what it takes to lead this group far.
David Kolomatis(39) Hershey Bears
5th year defenseman David Kolomatis(39) has put up virtually identical numbers, almost 30 points in each of his AHL pro seasons but in this campaign, under a new one-year two-way deal with Washington Capitals, had a slight uptick in assists and overall points to post career bests.
In only 61 games on a veteran heavy Hershey Bears‘ roster he pocketed 7 goals and 23 assists, giving him his first 30.
Originally a Los Angeles Kings‘ 5th round pick in the 2009 draft *#126 overall), he spent the first four years skating in the minor league system with Manchester Monarchs.
He was a fairly dependable staple on their blue line.
The not incredibly huge 5’11” 195 lbs. d-man has yet to be given his shot at NHL playing time and it’s a wonder if his current team of contract will keep him around as the 25-year old is unrestricted free agent.
If given a shot, he may well be one of these guys that quietly steps it up and fits right in.
David Kolomatis(6) Los Angeles Kings
Manchester Monarchs‘ defenseman David Kolomatis(6) is heading into the final season of his 3-year entry level deal with Los Angeles Kings, yet it will be his fourth season in the prospect system.
In a strange arrangement for his rookie season, he signed a series of pto’s with the Monarchs.
His numbers through three AHL seasons have stayed relatively the same, reaching 20+ assists in each of the campaigns. The relatively small-ish looking blue liner at 5’11” 195 lbs. did suffer his first career injury sidetracking him for some of 2011/2012.
One increasing attribute to his game is his improved, more accountable defensive zone play.
Chances are he’ll put up career high numbers in 2012/2013, but it still might leave him short on the depth chart to make his first NHL appearance.
The 23-year old was originally a Kings‘ 5th round pick in the 2009 draft (#126 overall), which strangely fell after he signed a pto with Providence Bruins at the end of the 2008/2009 regular season.