6th year right wing Phil Lane(29) is having a career campaign after a preseason trade sent him to Atlanta Gladiators.
In 33 ECHL games he has a team leading, new best 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points with a +11 rating on a team that sometimes struggles to win.
He was dealt from Adirondack Thunder after struggling with the injury bug for most of last season.
In the previous year he skated for Springfield Falcons, initially signing a pto until he was given an AHL contract to stay onboard.
After his entry level contract with draft club Arizona Coyotes was up, he wasn’t given a qualifying offer making him an unrestricted free agent.
He was loaned up to Milwaukee Admirals scoring a goal in 3 appearances and was again recalled but this time by Binghamton Devils, where he could stick with a struggling squad.
Not exactly the biggest point getter, it was still a bit of a surprise he didn’t earn an NHL recall as his aggressive style may have fit nicely into a 4th line role.
It would be little surprise to see the 25-year old explore more opportunities overseas, especially if 2017/2018 ends up being a huge breakout season.
Phil Lane(22) Portland Pirates
Phoenix Coyotes‘ 2nd round pick in the 2010 draft (#52 overall), rookie right wing Phil Lane(22) has somewhat quietly put together a nice first pro season with AHL affiliate Portland Pirates.
In 70 games he has 14 goals and 8 assists with a +10 rating.
At 6’2″ 203 lbs. he’s built like a power forward and plays the game with lots of grit and determination, not afraid to fight for the puck in the corners but also has the ability for find the open spaces for scoring chances.
The soon-to-be 21-year old ended his three-year junior career with Brampton Battalion averaging 100 penalty minutes in his last two seasons but also was able to hit the scoresheet with decent frequency.
He has a three-year entry level deal through 2015 and wasn’t on the list for his first NHL recall in the lockout shortened 2013 season, but no doubt, he’ll find his way there.
It will be interesting to see how he does in the upcoming Calder Cup playoffs.
He has much OHL postseason experience.