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.