7th year left wing Philippe Cornet(51) makes a late decision to rejoin Stavanger Oilers after a decently successful campaign with HPK, where he potted 12 goals and 4 assists in 30 Liiga games.
He was a point-per-game performer en route to the 2016 league title and is already on pace to repeat those marks.
The 27-year old seems to be enjoying his time overseas and may only decide to return if he wants to explore some coaching ambitions post playing career.
Philippe Cornet (51)
6th year left wing Philippe Cornet(51) won Norway’s 2016 Get-ligaen Championship with Stavanger Oilers in his first pro hockey journey overseas.
He was a point-per-game player with 17 goals and 17 assists in 33 games through the regular season, then added another 6 and 5 in 17 postseason contests.
The 6’1″ 197 lbs. forward takes his success to Finland’s Liiga signing a one-year deal with HPK for 2016/2017.
Originally an Edmonton Oilers‘ 5th round pick in the 2008 draft (#133 overall), he signed a three-year entry level deal skating mostly with affiliate Oklahoma City Barons.
His best year of point production came in 2011/2012, where he played a career high 67 AHL games scoring 24 goals and 13 assists for 37 points.
He did play a pair of games with the NHL club as a rookie getting an assist but by his third season in the prospect system he was also sent further down to Stockton Heat of the ECHL to begin the year.
Left unqualified he signed a one year minor league contract with San Antonio Rampage for 2013/2014 but was quickly traded to Charlotte Checkers.
For the following campaign he agreed with Hershey Bears but his offense numbers continued to dwindle.
Heading to Europe looks to be the smartest move the 26-year old has made for his playing career.