Tagged: draft pick

27Aug

Adam Henrique(17) New Jersey / Albany Devils

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Going into the 2nd year of his three-year entry level contract (2008 draft, round 3 #82 overall), Adam Henrique(17) skated his entire rookie season with Albany. That is until the last game of the season, when he was called up to New Jersey to see some action. He was called-up a couple of other times but was a healthy scratch.

The small sampling on ice has left him wanting more and word has it he is fully intent on making the Devils‘ NHL starting lineup out of camp this season.

He scored a healthy 25 goals to go along with 25 assists in the AHL and looks impressive enough to land a spot. The only problem is the team has a good amount of depth at the center position, although their is that lingering void that veteran Travis Zajac leaves open as he recovers from his very recent Achilles tendon surgery.

With the Windsor Spitfires, Henrique won two straight Memorial Cups in 2008 and 2009.

26Aug

Pier-Oliver Pelletier(31) Evansville IceMen / Connecticut Whale

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For a third straight season 2005 Phoenix Coyotes 2nd round pick (#59 overall), Pier-Oliver Pelletier(31) signed to tend net in the Central Hockey League. He’s under contract for 2011/2012 with Evansville IceMen soon after having his signing rights traded to them by Laredo Bucks, the team he’d spent his rookie and 2nd year with.

He played in one game in ’10/’11 with Connecticut Whale on call-up but didn’t fair too well. He still may get more AAA looks next season.

25Aug

Casey Borer(28) HC Pardubice

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Former Carolina Hurricanes 3rd round pick (#69 overall) in 2004, defenseman Casey Borer(28) flies the coop after 4 years in the prospect system including 16 NHL games.

Last season was the first he failed to appear in any big league contests playing in 67 games with their AHL affiliate Charlotte Checkers, so the writing had to be on the wall: fell off their depth chart.

For 2011/2012, he signs to play in the Czech Extraliga (Extra League) with HC Pardubice.

 

20Aug

Marc-Andre Gragnani(17) Buffalo Sabres

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Buffalo Sabres‘ 2005 3rd round draft pick (#84 overall) defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani(17) brought the stuff when it was necessary.

In 9 games last season he had 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists).

Those are also his totals through 15 NHL games played over three seasons.

He was summoned into action for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and this is where he came alive amassing 7 points in 7 games before the team bowed out in the 2nd round.

It’s a bit surprising he qualified with the team for a one-year, two way deal and could see his first playing time with the Amerks since his rookie campaign in 2008.

Last season he recorded the most points in a season (60) for a Portland Pirates‘ defenseman ever, a 2nd year in a row.

19Aug

Tyler Eckford(7) Phoenix Coyotes / Albany Devils

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New Jersey didn’t qualify 4th year defenseman Tyler Eckford(7), who they drafted in 2004, round7  #217 overall. Free to go, Phoenix signed him to a 1-year, 2-way contract soon after free agency started.

He could play some more games in the NHL (he has 7 to his credit, 1 assist), but Portland Pirates are already using him as their lead image on their website, so he’ll likely be seeing more time in the AHL Eastern Conference for a third straight season. He’s appeared in 170 games with Albany and Lowell Devils, who played just an hour and a half down the highway from the Pirates.

18Aug

Tyler Plante(35) Florida Panthers / Rochester Americans

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2005 Florida Panthers 2nd round draft pick (#32 overall) Tyler Plante(35) will mind the net once again in 2011/2011 for the only organization he’s played with during his 4 pro seasons as he re-signed for a one-year, two-way deal. The only difference will be the NHL team’s AHL affiliation has switched to San Antonio Rampage, so he’ll be in Texas instead of Rochester.

For a goaltender that was so highly touted and selected, it’s a bit of a wonder why he’s yet to play an NHL game.

9/14-12: Receives an invite to attend St. John’s IceCaps‘ training camp when it opens, putting their total capable number of net minders for the upcoming season at three. The 25-year old played mostly overseas in 2011/2012.

 

 

16Aug

Daren Machesney(1) Hershey Bears / Springfield Falcons

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Goaltender Daren Machesney(1) is another player this season that finds his playing career coming full circle.

He rejoins the Washington Capitals system (drafted in the 5th round, #143 overall in 2005). His 1st three pro seasons were spent in net with Hershey Bears. He has yet to play an NHL game but was recalled to play back-up a few times.

Last season he played games for 5 different teams in the AHL and ECHL (Reading, Elmira, Victoria, Worcester, and 1 game for Springfield).

 

16Aug

Michael Ryan(14) Buffalo Sabres / Adirondack Phantoms

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9-year veteran center Michael Ryan(14) comes full circle in his career signing a one-year, two-way deal with Buffalo for 2011/2012. He’s expected to play mostly with Rochester in the AHL. He was drafted back in 1999 by Dallas (2nd round, #32 overall) but never signed by them.

He played the first five years of his career with the Sabres (65 games) / Amerks (210 games).

Last season he played a few games for Springfield but mostly with Adirondack Phantoms, where he put up some impressive numbers (52 games played, 25 goals and 16 assists).

 

14Aug

Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond (34)

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The hardest of the hard-nosed players (and the one with the longest name) Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond(34) was traded to Calgary Flames for a 5th round pick in next year’s draft.

He’d gone south in the New Jersey system and it was time for him to find some new, unchartered territory (in Alberta).

He may find himself a good amount of playing time in the Western Conference as a fourth line instigator, if he can keep his temper in check.

Does this look like a guy who would cause problems on the ice?