Straubing Tigers‘ 9th year center Steven Zalewski(15) will spend his 10th pro season, 3rd overall with the team, as he signs another extension to stay despite scoring only 5 goals and 12 assists in 50 DEL games with a -10 rating.
After putting up a career high 30 assists with Albany Devils in 2012/2013, he left for his first stint overseas joining Lukko of Liiga.
He only had 6 goals and 5 assists in 31 contests but seemed to spring to life some in the playoffs grabbing another goal and 5 more assists.
The 5’11” 190 lbs. pivot stayed in Finland for another season signing with Ilves but seemed to continue struggle a bit to put up points.
Leaving for his debut tour of Germany he regained that scoring punch potting 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points with a +6.
He’s set to turn 31-years old before the start of next season but has obviously been a good, veteran leader for the group, so may have found a good spot to stay before he hangs up the skates.
Steve Zalewski(15) New Jersey Devils
Originally a San Jose Sharks‘ 5th round pick in the 2004 draft (#153 overall) center Steve Zalewski(15) was dished to New Jersey Devils in the last year of his entry level contract in a four player trade. His numbers had dipped that season to the point where he fell from the depth chart.
He played 3 NHL games in the 2009/2010 season but failed to register a point.
As soon as he got to the Devils‘ AHL affiliate in Albany he regained his scoring touch and that continued into 2011/2012.
For his efforts he received his 1st recall and was dropped off by the team bus at a New Jersey truck stop to join the Devils for their game against Boston at the Prudential Center but only took warm-ups and was a healthy scratch.
He made his debut a couple of nights later, a 5-2 win for the team. No telling how long he’ll stay up in the NHL but if they keep winning, look for him to become a more permanent part of their lineup.
Steven Zalewski (15) New Jersey Devils
Minor league acquisition, center Steven Zalewski(15) recently accepted his qualifying offer and re-signed with New Jersey for another one-year, two-way contract.
He’s very likely to spend most of his playing time in the AHL with Albany but if he can start putting up points like he did a couple of seasons ago could play a few games in the NHL in ’11/’12.
Steven Zalewski(15) Worcester Sharks
It was a game of first goals for the Sharks and finally in his 24th game this season, Steven Zalewski(15) scored his first to go along with 10 helpers.
Last year he had 22 goals and 40 assists in 70 games played.