Tagged: Allsvenskan

07Aug

Jason Gregoire(17) Södertälje

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Jason Gregoire

3rd year unrestricted free agent left wing Jason Gregoire(17) signs a one-year deal to join second tier Swedish pro league team, Södertälje in Allsvenskan for the 2013/2014 season.

He was originally a New York Islanders‘ 3rd round draft pick in 2007 (#76 overall) but never signed and instead inked a two-year entry level contract with his hometown team, Winnipeg Jets. He was not given a qualifying offer to continue in the prospect system.

The 5’11” forward was virtually a point per game player in 3 years at University of North Dakota and won an NCAA Championship in ’09 and ’10. He was also selected twice to the All-Academic Team.

Upon turning pro he spent two seasons in the AHL with affiliate St. John’s IceCaps.

He skated in a career high 60 games, posting sophomore season marks slightly above what he had in his rookie campaign with 10 goals and 18 points, but his two-year totals at 16-16 in 104 may have been a bit underwhelming.

The still very young 24-year old will probably light the lamp big in Europe and progress to greater heights overseas and could return to North America in the future.

21Jul

Brendan Mikkelson (26)

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8th year defenseman Brendan Mikkelson(26) signs with his 4th NHL team for the 2013/2014 season, inking a one-year two-way deal with Pittsburgh Penguins that will likely see him added as a veteran presence with their minor league affiliate Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins to help with the squad of younger players in the system.

He’s skated in 131 NHL games scoring just 1 goal and 9 assists.

In 196 AHL games with 5 different teams those numbers tick upwards slightly to 18 goals and 48 assists but the large 6’3″ 210 lbs. d-man has never been noted for his offense production.

Almost ironically though he did strike for 4 goals and 3 assists in 17 contests for Västerås in Allsvenskan, the 2nd tier Swedish league during the lockout last season.

The blue liner only just turned 26-years old.

He was a part of the Syracuse Crunch team that went to the 2013 Calder Cup Finals but still seems to have untapped potential that no club has been able to locate.

Originally an Anaheim Ducks‘ 2nd round pick in the 2005 draft (#31 overall), if it doesn’t work out he would likely have a good ride playing the remainder of his pro career overseas.

Brendan Mikkelson

10Mar

Victor Bartley(64) Nashville Predators

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victor-bartley

Nashville Predators‘ undrafted 4th year defenseman Victor Bartley(64) signed a two-year, two-way contract to join the team after spending a successful season overseas with Rögle of Allsvenskan, the second tier Swedish pro league.

He started his career after his fifth season in juniors, playing as an overage skater, in the ECHL with Utah Grizzlies.

His numbers in the league were good enough to get him an All-Star Game nod and subsequent call-up to the AHL by Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

He unfortunately suffered an injury that put a stop to his rookie campaign.

Returning to North American hockey he appeared in all 76 games in 2011/2012 with Milwaukee Admirals scoring 9 goals and 30 assists while going +12 plus/minus.

The 6′ 203 lbs. blue liner picked up pretty much where he left off on the scoresheet in the current season notching 7 goals and 19 assists in 54 contests. He also was chosen to represent at the 2013 AHL All-Star Game.

His consistent play has earned him a first recall and in his NHL debut.

He skated 23 shifts for 19:15 total ice time, third most on the team in a 6-0 blasting of Edmonton Oilers.

At the end of the season the 25-year old becomes a restricted free agent.

He’s likely a no-brainer to be signed for another one or two-year extension.