8th year defenseman Patrick Mullen(7) started his first campaign overseas signing for 2016/2017 with Dinamo Riga of the KHL.
He skated 39 games with the team scoring 4 goals and 8 assists but was a bit of a dismal -12 and a few months in decided to head back to North American hockey.
The crafty 5’11” 186 lbs. d-man agreed to return to Binghamton Senators, a team he’d spent parts of three seasons with while under contract to Ottawa Senators but was claimed off reentry waivers by Rochester Americans.
He’s had 4 runs of 20+ assists in the AHL and is off to a quick start with 3 assists in 2 games.
The 30-year old looks pretty happy out there at this point but it would be surprising to see him continue to grab a minor league deal going forward, unless he’s plotting life after leaving the ice but chances are better he looks to somewhere like Sweden, Finland or Germany for more playing time (and better money).
Patrick Mullen(14) Vancouver Canucks
4th year, undrafted defenseman Patrick Mullen(14) tries his hand with a new team for 2012/2013, signing a one-year, two-way deal with Vancouver Canucks that will in all likelihood start him with their affiliate Chicago Wolves. He was an unrestricted free agent as of July 1.
He’s coming off his best AHL season yet with Manchester Monarchs that saw him put up more goals, assists and points in one year (13 + 28 – 41) than he did in his first two combined. Plus, he skated in 69 games, which eclipsed his previous high by a couple.
Initially signed to a 2-year entry level contract with Los Angeles Kings in 2009, the 5’10” 184 lbs. blue liner could still use some extra weight to throw around out there but has obviously spent some quality time improving his offensive capabilities.
It will be interesting to see what he does in a new conference and if he can score his first NHL call-up.
He is the son of three time Stanley Cup Champion and Hockey Hall Of Fame defenseman, Joe Mullen.
Patrick Mullen(14) Manchester Monarchs
3rd year defensemen Patrick Mullen(14) accepted the one-year, two-way qualifying offer to stay in the Los Angeles Kings‘ system for another year.
He’s spent the first two years of his pro career with their AHL affiliate, Manchester Monarchs with last season as a bit of a breakout season for the undrafted 2009 signing
He picked up 20 points (3 goals, 17 assists) in 67 games played and made an appearance in all 7 postseason games for the team.
If he can continue on this path, look for him to score a NHL call-up maybe even in the 2011/2012 season.