Laval Rocket 5th year defenseman Ryan Culkin(7) has been on a bit of a short string with affiliate Maine Mariners but has played close to 10 times more ECHL games, where he looks to eclipse his career mark in assists currently at 20 and leads team d in scoring, than up in the AHL.
He did add to his totals at the higher level scoring a goal in his last game up before being reassigned.
The 6’2″ 200 lbs. blue liner recorded 40+ assists in his last pair of seasons at juniors with Quebec Remparts, where he was captain in his final year, so has shown he has a knack for head manning the puck.
Originally a Calgary Flames‘ 5th round pick in the 2012 draft (#124 overall), he was in their system for three years but wasn’t given a qualifying offer to continue.
He next signed with Tuscon Roadrunners but was sent to Fort Wayne Komets for the entirety of 2017/2018, although he was recalled, putting up some pretty great numbers (11-27-38 with a +18 rating).
The still young 25-year old may have to choose where to play his pro hockey next and could possibly look overseas for a better opportunity.