8th year left wing Nicolas Deschamps(7) spent the past two decently successful seasons with IK Oskarshamn of Allsvenskan (the first time he’d stayed anywhere) but leaves to sign with Rouen of Ligue Magnus for 2017/2018.
In the year previous to signing with the tier two Swedish club he bounced around between four teams and three countries including a short 12-game AHL stint back with original club Syracuse Crunch and 13 contests to end the year with Florida Everglades, which included 12 playoff appearances.
This strange season followed what was probably his best and first away from North American pro hockey, when on a one-year extension with Washington Capitals he posted a career high tying 15 goals and 2nd 25 assists for 40 points, rivaling what he was able to achieve as a rookie in 2010/2011.
The 6’1″ 205 lbs. forward also skated his only three NHL games.
At 27-years old, he likely set all new personal scoring totals in France and may even set up shop there if it’s as successful as we think it could be.
Nicolas Deschamps(9) Hershey Bears
Originally an Anaheim Ducks‘ 2nd round pick in the 2008 draft (#38 overall), center Nicolas Deschamps(9) is in the last season of his 3-year entry level deal.
He was skating with AHL affiliate Syracuse Crunch, putting up good numbers (15 goals and 31 assists in 80 games) in his rookie campaign before his point production all but evaporated in the first half of his sophomore season.
The 6′ 173 lbs. forward was dished mid-year to Toronto Maple Leafs in a minor league transaction and was reassigned to the Marlies.
It was easily the change of scenery he needed because he finished the regular season with 7 goals and 23 assists in 40 games and added another 3 strikes and 9 helpers in a playoff run that went the distance to the Calder Cup Finals before falling.
The 23-year has been erratic at best in 2012/2013, barely marking up the scoresheet.
Realizing there’s still potential and really having nothing to lose, Washington Capitals become the latest suitors hoping he can kickstart that scoring touch and help Hershey Bears gain a more solid run in the postseason.
Chances are the low-risk gamble will put the fire back on his stick in the last 20 or so games that remain, but will it be enough?