6th year center Patrick Watling(28) decides to head off and try something new, signing for 2022/2023 with HC Kosice of Slovak Extraliga.
He exploded on the ECHL scoring sheet in 2021/2022 for Wheeling Nailers, scoring new bests 31 goals and 46 assists for 77 points 55 games with a +13 rating.
The 6′ 174 lbs. forward also scored a pair of loans up and managed another AHL goal and 2 assists in 5 appearances.
Undrafted, he signed his first deal after 3 OHL seasons with Toronto Marlies and split time with affiliate Orlando Solar Bears, where he pumped in point-per-game stats.
He skated his next pair of campaigns in Florida before being dished very late to Tulsa Oilers.
In the next frame, he took a break before heading to 2 years at University Of New Brunswick Reds before returning.
The 28-year old from Sault Ste. Marie, ON will definitely put up some big numbers in the new league he’s headed to.
In 11 games, he manages 1 goal and 8 assists, but somehow ends up traded or heading to rivals HC Banska Bystrica for the remainder of ’22/23.
Maybe a little oddly, he takes some very decent play after the trade to a new experience, signing for 2023/2024 with Sheffield Steelers of the EIHL.
After a season, scoring like he did in the minors with 22 goals and 36 assists, then helping his team win the 2024 league title, grabbing 3 assists in 3 games.
He will happily be back in a Steelers‘ sweater for 2024/2025.