Tagged: KHL

07May

Iiro Tarkki(35) Salavat Yulaev

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Finnish-born, undrafted Syracuse Crunch rookie goaltender Iiro Tarkki(35) put up some pretty impressive numbers in his first season of AHL action with a 24-17 win/loss record and a 2.45 gaa and .925 SV%. He played less well against a loaded St. John’s IceCaps‘ team in the opening round of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

He was signed to a one-year entry level deal by Anaheim Ducks and appeared in one game for them getting his first NHL win in his only game, but he also let up a goal on the first shot he faced and was lit up for another 2 in only 9 more in the two periods he played in relief. It just so happened the Ducks popped in 7 goals to get him the W.

We honestly think he didn’t want to spend another year in the minors so decided to sign on with Salavat Yulaev of the KHL and work that angle. He started his career playing three years for the top league in his own country.

At 26-years old, he may just be one of those late-bloomers, because he seems to have a pretty good skill set.

09Oct

Chris Bourque(17) Hershey Bears

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Entering his 7th season pro, 2004 Washington Capitals 2nd round pick (#34 overall) Chris Bourque(17), son of Ray, returns to the “team” after a year abroad to play in the KHL and Swiss-A leagues. He’ll likely spend the majority of his playing time in the AHL with Hershey, where he’s played 319 of his games.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get more looks in the NHL to add to his 33 games with the Caps and Pittsburgh Penguins (1 goal, 3 assists). He has good hands and maybe it’s just taken more to grow into his game.

13Aug

Andre Benoit(61) Spartak Moscow / Binghamton Senators

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Binghamton Senators‘ Andre Benoit(61) is one of the best defensive agitators I saw play in the AHL postseason and helped his team to the ultimate prize, the Calder Cup, while having clearly his best season of offensive numbers.

He even played in his first NHL games in his 6 year pro career last season;  8 with Ottawa. He registered 1 point, an assist.

He’s traveling overseas again next season joining Spartak Moscow of the KHL. He spent ’07/’08 in Finland and ’08/’09 in Sweden and the last two seasons in the AHL with Hamilton (2005-2007, 2009-2010) and Binghamton.

The knock on him must be that he’s two small to be a top six guy. I’ll miss seeing him in the AHL Eastern Conference but think he’ll be back to North America quite possilby on a one-way NHL deal.