11th year veteran defenseman Matt Lashoff(7) signed a pto with San Antonio Rampage a couple of weeks into the start of 2016/2017 and rode with the team for a few months playing 19 AHL games, scoring 3 goals and 4 assists but was a bit of a terrible -14.
He was released from his deal just before Christmas and basically took January off looking for the right fit.
SCL Tigers stepped in and signed him for the remainder of the calendar and playoff push, which signifies his first return to Switzerland since 2011/2012.
He has one assist in 2 games.
The 30-year will need to step it up to continue to play at higher levels overseas but could a good spot lower down the food chain as he transitions to life beyond on ice.
Matt Lashoff(5) Bridgeport Sound Tigers
9th year defenseman Matt Lashoff(5) came home from one year in Switzerland’s top league, NLA, one in Sweden’s SHL and part of this season with Metallurg Novokuznetsk of the KHL.
His best showing was a few years ago with ZSC of the Swiss Elite League, where he got a goal and 9 assists but easily short of what was expected when he came across the pond.
The former Boston Bruins‘ 1st round pick in the 2005 draft (#22 overall) has only played 74 NHL games (for three teams: Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs being the other two) scoring one goal and 15 assists, which is decently offense-minded but he’s also owns a -15 rating.
In 5 AHL seasons the 6’2: 205 lbs. blue liner has always been a 20+ point scorer and even had a pair of campaigns with 30+ numbers.
He had 47 points in 56 OHL games in 2006, his 3rd and final year with Kitchener Rangers before turning pro.
The only 28-year old signed a standard contract to join Bridgeport Sound Tigers and give the young squad some more veteran leadership.
He’s only appeared in two games thus far with one assist and a -2 but if given the opportunity could likely contribute on a regular basis with the team and help them into a Calder Cup berth.
Matt Lashoff(21) Toronto Marlies
Former Boston Bruins‘ 1st round pick in the 2005 draft (#22 overall) defenseman Matt Lashoff(21) missed all but 9 regular season games in October with his team of the past two years, Toronto Marlies.
He scored a goal and added 4 assists in that short time frame before suffering an acl injury that required surgery and what looked like the remainder of 2011/2012 on the sidelines.
The 6th year blue liner thought differently and put a stake in the ice to make it back for the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Goal achieved.
The 6’2″ 205 lbs. d-man played his first game in 191 days in the Western Conference Semi-Finals but then sat out for the opening couple of contests of the Western Conference Finals before he got back into action for game 3.
In it he notched a pair of assists helping the Marlies claim a 2-1 series lead.
With play like that, he’s going to be tough to sit.
He has 74 NHL games experience (1 goals, 15 assists) with three different teams.
He’s only signed through this season, so it will be interesting to see if Toronto Maple Leafs can work out an offer to keep him around.
The 25-year old is also a fairly competent musician. You can listen to clips from some of his tunes on his reverbnation site. He’s also a fun guy to follow on Twitter @MattLashoff
Matt Lashoff(21) Toronto Marlies
Former Boston Bruins‘ prospect and 1st round draft pick, Matt Lashoff(21) was signed by Toronto in the off-season after a couple of years in the Tampa Bay Lightning system.
So far he’s been assigned to the Marlies and is still awaiting his first call up by his new team.
Matt Lashoff(21) Norfolk Admirals
One time Boston Bruins‘ defensive prospect Matt Lashoff(21) was cast off in the deal that brought Mark Recchi to town.
He played a few games with his new NHL team, Tampa Bay Lightning but has mostly been reassigned AHL affiliate, Norfolk Admirals.