12th year defenseman Jason DeSantis(5) will spend his 5th season in Austria (although last campaign was technically in the new AlpsHC) joining Villacher SV of EBEL for 2018/2019.
He’s coming off his 2nd most productive campaign scoring 10 goals and 30 assists for 40 points with EHC Lustenau.
It will be interesting to see how much longer the 32-year old will continue his quest for overseas hockey, but we could see him return on another ECHL deal and move into the coaching ranks.
Jason DeSantis (6)
Entering into his 5th pro season, undrafted defenseman Jason DeSantis(6) signed a one-year, two-way contract with Florida Panthers for the 2012/2013 season, which will see him skating for their AHL affiliate San Antonio Rampage.
He signed a minor league deal last season with Winnipeg Jets that saw him appear in 76 games during the regular and postseason with St. John’s IceCaps, where he established career highs in games played (66), goals, assists and points (11-35-46).
His totals were good enough for second on the team for d-men and third overall.
He even spent more time in the sin bin that he had in any previous years with 66 penalty minutes.
Most importantly, the 5’11” 185 lbs. 26-year old established himself as a dependable presence on the blue line that has the ability to help out on the scoring sheet.
We’ll miss seeing him play in the Eastern Conference, but are happy to see him ink an NHL
deal and if he continues to play well it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Panthers‘ recall him for a look in the show.
