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| Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey |
Editor's Note: This will be the best way to keep up with AHL-level free agents this summer. Below are all of the AHL-level free agents with a player-by-player synopsis complete with stats and insights on each player.
I have ranked the Top 50 forwards and Top 40 defensemen as well as the Top 20 goaltenders. After that, the rest of the players are in alphabetical order by position. This will be referred to daily and updated regularly.
For an exclusive team-by-team look around the AHL on how the current rosters are shaping up and where each respective team's free agents have signed, take a look at our AHL Team Lists (by division) to see how your favorite team and rival teams are faring in free agency:
Atlantic Division Team Lists 2017-18
North Division Team Lists 2017-18
Central Division Team Lists 2017-18
Pacific Division Team Lists 2017-18
It's that time of year again. The NHL's free agency period opens Saturday, July 1st at noon ET. Below are all of the AHL-level free agents in a complete, accurate, easy-to-navigate list.
After the jump, the high-prized AHL-level free agents starting with my top 50 forwards, top 40 defensemen and top 20 goaltenders.
Player, (former team) - 2016-17 AHL Stats
Top 50 Forwards
1. Kenny Agostino (Chicago): 65GP, 24G-59A, +24, 48 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, one-way contract with Boston Bruins.
Hands down the #1 AHL-level free agent at any position. Agostino continues to impress, building off of a 57-point season in his sophomore campaign. AHL fans are hoping he signs with their team's NHL affiliate.
2. Chris Mueller (Tucson): 68GP, 19G-48A, -4, 48 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Toronto.
The 31-year-old was one of the top forwards in the league last season offensively, and on an AHL-only contract to boot.
3. Cole Schneider (Rochester): 71GP, 24G-39A, +9, 45 PIM
EDIT: Signed a contract with New York Rangers.
Arguably the top power forward in the AHL, but don't let that fool you - Schneider adds speed to his game as well and is a dynamic scoring threat at the AHL level.
4. Seth Griffith (Toronto): 38GP, 10G-34A, +8, 36 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract with Buffalo.
At just 24, Griffith has 202 points in 203 career AHL games and has dominated the league. Will he crack the NHL full-time in 2017-18 or continue to absolutely dominate the AHL as a top line and likely top 3 AHL scorer if he plays a full season in the minors.
5. Corey Conacher (Syracuse): 56GP, 17G-43A, +10, 113 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a two-year contract with Tampa Bay.
Many thought Conacher was heading back overseas, but he re-signed with Tampa Bay on Wednesday. Interestingly enough, the first year of the two-year deal is a one-way contract that pays him $650,000 regardless of whether he plays in the NHL or AHL. He might be a full-time NHL'er in 2017-18.
6. Paul Carey (Hershey): 55GP, 24G-31A, +14, 29 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with New York Rangers.
Carey was a point per game player last season in the AHL and could be one of the league's top forwards in 2017-18 if he doesn't graduate to the NHL full-time.
7. Ben Street (Grand Rapids): 62GP, 25G-30A, +4, 16 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year contract with Detroit.
Street has been an annual point per game player at the AHL level throughout his 355-game career. The defending champs are well on their way to re-building another strong team in 2017-18.
8. Yanni Gourde (Syracuse): 56GP, 22G-26A, +11, 54 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a two-year/one-way contract with Tampa Bay
A dominant AHL season for Gourde saw him continue to tear it on in the postseason where he tallied 27 points in 22 games. Looks like he's graduated to the NHL in 2017-18 though.
9. Chris Conner (Lehigh Valley): 70GP, 22G-34A, -4, 10 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year AHL contract with Lehigh Valley.
Three straight 50-plus point seasons in the AHL makes Conner an attractive AHL option for teams looking for consistent scoring.
10. Cal O'Reilly (Rochester/Toronto): 62GP, 9G-41A, +1, 10 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Minnesota.
One of the AHL's best playmaking centers for years, O'Reilly is a true AHL #1 center and can really do some damage with his vision on the power play.
11. Phil Varone (Binghamton): 65GP, 15G-36A, -14, 22 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Philadelphia.
An offensive juggernaut in the AHL, Varone has put up 40 points or more in five of his six AHL seasons. A top line center option at the AHL level.
12. Byron Froese (Toronto/Syracuse): 54GP, 27G-19A, +6, 22 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year contract with Montreal.
Traded from Toronto to Tampa Bay leading up to the trade deadline, Froese was a point per game player for the Crunch down the stretch and is an elite AHL-level scorer on the fringe in terms of sticking in the NHL.
13. Andrew Aggozino (Chicago): 71GP, 18G-36A, +9, 57 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Colorado.
The Robin to Agostino's Batman. Andrew is an annual top scorer in the AHL and should continue to do so in 2017-18.
14. Alexandre Grenier (Utica): 69GP, 17G-28A, -15, 52 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Florida.
Grenier hasn't had much of an NHL chance with Vancouver, but is a high-end AHL power forward in the minors.
15. T.J. Hensick (Ontario): 67GP, 16G-36A, -14, 18 PIM
The 10-year pro continues to be a dominant offensive player at the AHL level and hasn't shown signs of slowing down yet.
16. Jason Akeson (Binghamton): 57GP, 20G-31A, -23, 22 PIM
Despite starting 2016-17 in the KHL, Akeson joined Binghamton on an AHL deal and put up 51 points as a one-dimensional offensive player with defensive deficiencies.
17. Kevin Porter (W-B/Scranton): 69GP, 11G-35A, +2, 50 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year contract with Buffalo.
A top line AHL forward on almost every team in the league, Porter has been a classic 'tweener' player looking for a more regular NHL opportunity.
18. Stanislav Galiev (Hershey): 56GP, 21G-19A, +21, 20 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year contract in KHL with AK Bars Kazan.
Arguably the most dynamic offensive talent in the AHL last season, especially down the stretch. He voiced his displeasure about not getting any games with Washington last season and is looking for a more direct path to the NHL this year.
19. Paul Thompson (Springfield): 51GP, 19G-23A, +9, 57 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Vegas.
Split time between NHL and AHL last season, but when in the minors is an elite-level forward that can do it all - skate, score and hit.
20. Bracken Kearns (Bridgeport): 74 GP, 23G-28A, +16, 43 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with New Jersey.
In back-to-back seasons, the 36-year old has posted 50 or more points. It doesn't appear that he's slowing down.
21. Spencer Abbott (Rockford/San Diego): 69GP, 18G-31A, -9, 16 PIM
Abbott is a consistent scorer at the AHL level and can continue to do so if he stays in North America.
22. Marek Hrivik (Hartford): 56GP, 16G-24A, +3, 12 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Calgary
Hrivik is a game-changer at the AHL level and was a fringe NHL'er last season - appearing in 16 NHL games with the Rangers.
23. Pat Cannone (Iowa): 73GP, 9G-29A, Even, 26 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year contract with Minnesota.
Even on a lowly Iowa team, Cannone still put together a respectable season in the AHL after several 30 and 40-point seasons in previous years. Minnesota was smart in bringing him back for another year.
24. Max McCormick (Binghamton): 66GP, 21G-15A, -15, 105 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a two-year deal with Ottawa
The feisty two-way forward is fun to watch at the AHL level and is knocking on the NHL's doorstep.
25. Casey Bailey (Binghamton/Belleville): 62GP, 21G-16A, -15, 20 PIM
The Penn State product performed well on a struggling BSens squad in 2016-17, hitting 20 goals and being an AHL All-Star all in one season. Bit of a surprise that Ottawa moved on after only a seven-game NHL stint.
26. Kyle Rau (Springfield): 48GP, 10G-14A, -3, 32 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-way contract with Minnesota.
One of the biggest surprises in terms of RFA's not being tendered a qualifying offer. Rau is undersized, but competes in all three zones of the ice. Could be a big addition to another aHL quad in 2017-18 if he's not in Florida's future plans.
27. Derek Grant (Rochester): 23GP, 11G-8A, -2, 22 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, one-way contract with Anaheim.
Spending much of the year in the NHL, Grant was claimed off waivers by Nashville but later re-claimed and assigned to AHL Rochester where he is a dominant goal-scorer. If he's an AHL player in 2017-18 he could be a legitimate goal per game type player. Not much left for him to prove in the minors.
28. Ty Rattie (Chicago): 22GP, 2G-3A, -1, 2 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Edmonton.
Looking at his stats, you're probably questioning why he's a ranked AHL free agent forward. The 32nd overall pick in 2011 saw his production drop from 31 goals down to 17 over his first three years in the Blues' organization, and it's clear after not being tendered a qualifying offer that Rattie needs a fresh start. Could be a low risk/high reward signing from an AHL perspective.
29. Darren Archibald (Utica): 76GP, 23G-24A, -8, 58 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Utica.
On an AHL contract in 2016-17, Archibald broke out offensively more than doubling his goal totals from the year before - becoming a dominant power forward at the AHL level
30. Jordan Szwarz (Providence): 65GP, 22G-32A, +20, 76 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Boston.
Complimenting PBruins' scorers well, Szwarz nearly doubled his offensive production from a year prior with a lowly Springfield team.
31. Christian Thomas (Hershey): 65GP, 24G-25A, Even, 6 PIM
A streaky scorer that goes missing when not contributing offensively. Went cold in the postseason, with one goal and no assists.
32. Colin Smith (Toronto/San Antonio): 73GP, 14G-33A, -21, 32 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Smith had no problem creating offense in the AHL last season.
33. Mitch Callahan (Grand Rapids): 66GP, 16G-27A, +6, 57 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Edmonton
Callahan hasn't got much of an opportunity in the NHL with the Red Wings organization, but winning the Calder Cup this past season has to be at least a small consolation prize.
34.Wayne Simpson (Providence): 76GP, 16G-33A, +22, 10 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Washington.
Simpson continues to grow his game, from two years in the ECHL to now two very respectable AHL seasons.
35. T.J. Tynan (Cleveland): 72GP, 12G-29A, +14, 34 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Vegas.
Three straight 40-point seasons in his pro career makes Tynan an intriguing option at the AHL level.
36. Curtis Valk (Utica): 75GP, 16G-30A, -3, 49 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year entry-level contract with Florida.
His first full season in the AHL was a resounding success, and he'll look to continue to build on his game in 2017-18.
37. Corban Knight (Lehigh Valley): 72GP, 11G-29A, +8, 44 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Philadelphia.
Labeled a Swiss army knife by the Phantoms' staff last season, Knight can play all three forward positions and play on penalty kill, power play, late game situations, etc. Solid AHL option that can play up and down the lineup.
38. Chase Balisy (Springfield): 76GP, 17G-28A, +4, 26 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year, two-way contract with Florida.
Bailsy put up good numbers on a struggling Springfield team last season. Perhaps on a better team he could be a 50-point plus AHL forward.
39. Kyle Criscuolo (Grand Rapids): 76GP, 17G-24A, +15, 14 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year contract with Buffalo.
The Harvard standout put together a solid rookie season in the AHL last year.
40. Mike Sislo (San Antonio/Toronto): 72GP, 14G-23A, -11, 26 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Arizona.
Sislo didn't help his stock being stuck in San Antonio last season, but he's a gifted scoring threat at the AHL level.
41. Antoine Laganiere (San Diego): 64GP, 21G-16A, -1, 30 PIM
In his fourth AHL season out of Yale University, Laganiere continues to improve his offensive production with every passing season.
42. Brian Gibbons (Albany): 72GP, 16G-20A, -5, 38 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with New Jersey.
The speedy winger can still cause problems for opposing defenders in the AHL.
43. Carter Camper (Albany): 47GP, 6G-29A, -3, 18 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year AHL contract with Cleveland.
Camper was a near point-per-game player in Albany last season and is a consistent scoring threat at the AHL level.
44. Adam Payerl (Milwaukee): 76GP, 16G-22A, -2, 123 PIM
Payerl has turned his pro career around after heading to the Western Conference. The physical, two-way forward has had strong seasons in back-to-back years with the Admirals.
45. Matt Frattin (Stockton): 54GP, 18G-18A, -15, 18 PIM
EDIT: Signed in the KHL with Kunlun Red Star.
Frattin is now two years removed from full-time NHL action but still scores consistently in the AHL.
46. Brett Sutter (Ontario): 66GP, 18G-18A, Even, 52 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed an AHL contract with Ontario.
The AHL veteran played well with the Reign in 2016-17 after a slow year offensively previously in Iowa.
47. Josh Currie (Bakersfield): 67GP, 22G-14A, -4, 28 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year AHL contract with Bakersfield.
Currie enjoyed a breakout year in his second AHL season.
48. Gabriel Dumont (Syracuse): 20GP, 5G-5A, +4, 24 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a two-year contract with Tampa Bay
Similar to Cory Conacher, Dumont re-signed a two-year contract on Wednesday with Tampa Bay that pays him a one-way deal in 2017-18 and a two-way deal in year two of the deal. The role player played a checking-style bottom six type of game to perfection and will be battling for an NHL job in training camp this fall.
49. Garrett Wilson (W-B/Scranton): 59GP, 11G-20A, +16, 83 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a two-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.
The big-bodied two-way forward was having a good year with the AHL until a hit from behind caused a shoulder injury and slowed him up down the stretch and in the postseason.
50. Ben Sexton (Albany): 54GP, 19G-12A, Even, 60 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Ottawa.
A noticeable jump in offensive production for Sexton with the Devils. Might be worth pursuing for AHL teams in search of some secondary scoring help.
Top 40 Defensemen
1. Matt Taormina (Syracuse): 70GP, 15G-45A, +9, 22 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Montreal.
The 2017 Eddie Shore Award winner given to the AHL's top defenseman led the Crunch to the Calder Cup Finals with 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 22 postseason games. Elite offensive defenseman at the AHL level, and can quarterback the power play with the best of them.
2. David Warsofsky (W-B/Scranton): 58GP, 16G-31A, +30, 32 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, one-way contract with Colorado.
It's debatable whether Warsofsky will be able to impact an AHL team next fall because he might land in the NHL full-time in 2017-18, but if not he'll be one of the best defensemen in the entire AHL.
3. Alex Grant (Providence): 70GP, 17G-32A, +8, 36 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Minnesota.
Grant has been an elite offensive defenseman in the AHL for quite some time, with 33 or more points in each of his last four AHL seasons. His 17 goals were 2nd in the AHL among defensemen behind only Lehigh Valley's T.J. Brennan. His 49 points in were 5th best among defensemen. He's the leading scorer among blue liners entering the 'AHL-level' free agent market.
4. Jamie McBain (Tucson): 64GP, 8G-35A, -28, 48 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-way deal with Tampa Bay.
McBain is a long-time NHL defenseman that has no problem scoring at the AHL level and could be a game-changer if he doesn't get back into the NHL in the fall.
5. Vincent LoVerde (Ontario): 61GP, 9G-26A, +4, 68 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Toronto.
The Los Angeles Kings' AHL captain the past three years, LoVerde is an experienced two-way defender that has a Calder Cup Championship on his resume (2015 - Manchester) and back-to-back 32-point plus seasons in the AHL. Nine or more goals in three straight years too.
6. Kevin Czuczman (Manitoba): 76GP, 9G-23A, -23, 48 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.
Despite being on a struggling Moose team this past year, Manitoba's alternate captain had no problem putting up points and doubling his offensive production from the previous season.
7. Jordan Oesterle (Bakersfield): 44GP, 7G-25A, +3, 10 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Chicago.
Oesterle can bring some offensive firepower from the back end as has improved in each of his first three years in the pro hockey scene.
8. Mat Bodie (Hartford/Rochester): 62GP, 10G-29A, -15, 55 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Tampa Bay.
After escaping Hartford in a trade to the Buffalo Sabres' affiliate Rochester, Bodie put up nine points in his final 17 games of the season. Bodie has had three straight 30-plus point seasons as a pro with increasing totals each year (32, 36 and 39).
9. Cameron Schilling (Rockford/Ontario): 72GP, 8G-18A, -2, 49 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Manitoba.
Schilling is an interesting case as a pending free agent as an undrafted Miami University (Ohio) product that was once highly regarded by the Washington Capitals. He's improved his offensive production and is a solid offensive-defenseman at the AHL level.
10. Colby Robak (Utica): 70GP, 3G-30A, +11, 60 PIM
Added to a standard player contract in November after a PTO with Stockton to begin the year, Robak continues to prove he's a capable defender at the AHL level and can add offense from the back end when needed.
11. Michael Kostka (Binghamton/Stockton): 61GP, 3G-21A, -24, 36 PIM
Stuck on a poor defensive team in Binghamton, Kostka was moved to Stockton where he went on to finish the year with 12 points in 15 games as a member of the Heat.
12. Tom Gilbert (Ontario/Hershey): 28GP, 3G-11A, +12, 10 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in DEL with Nurenburg Ice Tigers.
Gilbert was acquired by Washington for a conditional draft pick, and really bolstered Hershey's blueline down the stretch and into the postseason. The veteran of 655 NHL games of experience could be a good mentor to younger offensively-minded defensemen in the AHL this fall if that's a role he's willing to accept. At 34 years old, his NHL days might be behind him at this point.
13. Chris Butler (Chicago): 72GP, 5G-21A, +23, 46 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a two-year/two-way contract with St. Louis.
14. Brenden Kitchon (Manitoba): 63GP, 1G-22A, -19, 52 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Carolina.
A career-low 23 points and just one goal for Kitchon this past season in his fourth year at the pro level, but there's obvious offensive upside with his game. A 48-point rookie season and a 41-point in 68-game season in 2015-16 makes it seem he can flourish in the right situation.
15. Nathan Paetsch (Grand Rapids): 73GP, 1G-17A, +15, 30 PIM
Despite being on an AHL-only contract, Paetsch was named captain of the Griffins last season and led them to a Calder Cup championship in June, also tallying seven points in 19 playoff games including a goal in the finals.
16. Nick Ebert (Texas): 68GP, 9G-16A, -2, 40 PIM
The three-year pro doubled his offensive production as a member of the Stars last season.
17. Andrew Campbell (Toronto): 75GP, 6G-16A, +20, 62 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Arizona.
The Marlies' captain the past two seasons is a great option for an NHL team looking to stockpile their AHL affiliate with dependable two-way defensemen.
18. Cameron Gaunce (W-B/Scranton): 49GP, 2G-11A, +15, 38PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Columbus.
A top pairing AHL defenseman, Gaunce spent some time in Pittsburgh in 2016-17 more than doubling his NHL game totals and scoring his first NHL goal.
19. Chris Rumble (Binghamton): 56GP, 6G-21A, -7, 8 PIM
One of the lone bright spots for the BSens last season, Rumble's first AHL season (2nd year of pro hockey) was a large success and he'll be looking to build upon that wherever he plays in 2017-18.
20. Joel Hanley (St. John's): 65 GP, 2G-20A, +11, 34 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Arizona.
A bit surprising that Montreal did not tender Hanley a qualifying offer after what appeared to be a breakout season in 2016-17.
21. Erik Burgdoerfer (Rochester): 52GP, 1G-16A, Even, 44 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Ottawa.
Producing offense amounting almost to the same as his previous year in Hershey (with 22 less games played) and rounding out his game earned him his first NHL games of his seven-year pro career to date. He's looking to take the next step, and earn more NHL playing time in his eighth season at the pro level.
22. Jaime Sifers (Cleveland): 74GP, 6G-14A, -5, 74 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year AHL contract with Utica.
The veteran defenseman brings experience and overall dependability at the AHL level on defense, and will be looking to add to his 544 AHL games played this fall.
23. Kane Lafranchise (Bridgeport): 67GP, 5G-16A, +17, 28 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with New York Islanders.
The offensively-minded defenseman proved 2015-16 was no fluke, and he's a solid option on a bottom pairing for an AHL club in need of depth on the blueline. Lafranchise was on an AHL-only contract with Bridgeport this past season and might be looking for a larger role elsewhere.
24. Keegan Lowe (Charlotte/St. John's): 71GP, 6G-12A, +12, 74 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Edmonton.
Acquired by Montreal in exchange for Philip Samuelsson in late February, Lowe finished the season with St. John's but wasn't qualified by the Canadiens on June 25th.
25. Sena Acolatse (Springfield): 68GP, 6G-17A, -17, 147 PIM
An aggressive, physical defenseman that has a good shot and can put up some offense from the back end while also providing a bruiser-type presence for a team looking for some added toughness and someone tough to play against in general.
26.Philip Samuelsson (St. John's/Charlotte): 65GP, 4G-15A, +2, 35 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year/two-way contract with Carolina
Samuelsson joined Charlotte mid-season where his father Ulf was the Checkers' head coach, and Philip played well to close out the season with 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 25 games.
27. Steve Oleksy (W-B/Scranton/Toronto): 36GP, 4G-10A, +7, 55 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, one-way contract with Anaheim.
The rugged defender split time between the NHL and AHL in the Penguins organization before being traded to Toronto during the trade deadline.
28. Reece Scarlett (Albany/Springfield): 51GP, 5G-17A, -5, 53 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year, two-way contract with Florida.
Moved during the trade deadline, Scarlett scored in his first game with Springfield after the trade but doesn't appear to be a part of the Florida Panthers' plan moving forward.
29. Joe Pendenza (Cleveland): 62GP, 9G-12A, -6, 6 PIM
Primarily a fringe AHL/ECHL player in his three year pro career, Pendenza seemingly broke out int 2016-17 with nine goals and 12 assists with the Monsters.
30. Peter Stoykewych (Manitoba): 72GP, 5G-15A, +6, 47 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Manitoba.
The 6-foot-3 Colorado College product didn't look too out of place as a rookie in AHL action in 2015-16 and built on that in his second AHL season.
31. Yohann Auvitu (Albany): 29GP, 5G-8A, -2, 2 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract with Edmonton.
The French-born defender split his first pro season in North America between the NHL and AHL, though he wasn't tendered a qualifying offer from New Jersey on June 25th's restricted free agent deadline.
32. Patrick McNally (San Jose): 59GP, 3G-12A, +5, 30 PIM
McNally finished his entry level contract and wasn't qualified by the Sharks on June 25th, but there was some growth to the former Harvard standout's game in 2016-17. Might be worth an AHL deal for depth in 2017-18.
33. Jon Landry (Bridgeport): 53GP, 4G-14A, +5, 28 PIM
The 11-year pro has 322 AHL games of experience and could provide some depth/leadership to a young AHL blueline if not re-signed by Bridgeport
34. Brian Strait (Manitoba): 58GP, 2G-12A, -4, 36 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with New Jersey.
The veteran stay-at-home defender can be a mentor to prospects if he returns for another AHL season in 2016-17 after playing in 187 NHL games prior to his stint with Manitoba this past season.
35. Zach Trotman (Ontario): 9GP, 0G-2A, +2, 26 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.
Injury-plagued year for Trotman in 2016-17, but if he can stay healthy he's been a fringe NHL/AHL player in prior seasons. Might be worth taking a flyer on.
36. David Musil (Bakersfield/Tucson): 60GP, 4G-14A, +1, 40 PIM
In the Oilers organization the past four years, Musil looks to be moving on in free agency.
37. Chris Casto (Providence): 59GP, 1G-11A, +3, 40 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Vegas.
The veteran defenseman wasn't tendered a qualifying offer by Boston on June 25th, and will look to bring his 36 AHL Playoffs games of experience to his next club. A right-handed shooting defenseman, his offensive production dipped after what appeared to be a turning point for him in 2015-16 in a year where he tallied seven goals.
38. Maxime Fortunus (Iowa): 64GP, 6G-11A, -5, 18 PIM
The veteran offensive defenseman is still chugging along with 828 AHL games played in his career.
39. Nate Guenin (San Diego): 56GP, 2G-10A, +4, 28 PIM
The 34-year-old veteran took on a leadership role with Anaheim's AHL affiliate this past season.
40. James Wisniewski (Chicago): 21GP, 4G-7A, +10, 30 PIM
Yes, that James Wisniewski. Starting the year in the KHL, Wisniewski finished the 2016-17 season on an AHL deal with the Wolves. Is he willing to accept another AHL contract in 2017-18, or will he be heading back overseas if the NHL isn't a possibility?
Top 20 Goaltenders
1. Pheonix Copley (Hershey): 41GP, 26-11-3, 2.25 GAA, .924 SV%, 1 SO
EDIT: Re-signed a two-year deal with Washington.
Copley's return to Hershey at the trade deadline last spring and Hershey's storming back up the Atlantic Division standings to qualify for the postseason was no coincidence. It's possible Copley's AHL days are done, but if they aren't then someone is getting one of the top goalies in the AHL for 2017-18.
2. Casey DeSmith (W-B/Scranton): 29GP, 21-5-3, 2.01 GAA, .926 SV%, 1 SO
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.
On an AHL-only contract and a backup to Tristan Jarry, DeSmith was one of the top goaltenders in the league this past season with the AHL Penguins. Casey will be getting an NHL contract this summer, and the AHL affiliate of that club will get a solid AHL #1 starter.
3. Jhonas Enroth (San Diego): 21GP, 16-5-0, 1.91 GAA, .931 SV%, 2 S)
EDIT: Signed a one-year deal in KHL with Dinamo Minsk.
Enroth is eyeing an NHL backup spot as an organizational #2 goaltender, but if he signs with a team to become a #3 that AHL affiliate is going to reap the rewards of an elite AHL-level goaltender. Has 153 NHL games of experience with Buffalo, Dallas, Los Angeles and Toronto.
4. Adam Wilcox (Syracuse/Springfield): 47GP, 25-13-5, 2.63 GAA, .906 SV%, 4 SO
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Buffalo.
After a strong start in Syracuse in 2016-17, Wilcox found himself traded to a lowly Springfield team that he is likely happy he won't be returning to in the fall. With a good team in front of him, Wilcox has the potential to be an AHL All-Star in net in 2017-18.
5. Mike McKenna (Syracuse): 40GP, 14-15-11, 2.84 GAA, .905 SV%, 1 SO
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Dallas.
McKenna went from being on a lowly Springfield team to leading Syracuse to the Calder Cup Finals. The veteran can be a game-changer at the AHL level. If he lands with a team that plays solid defensively he'll likely be an AHL All-Star in 2017-18.
6. Michael Leighton (Charlotte): 23GP, 11-7-3, 2.17 GAA, .921 SV%, 3 SO
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Tampa Bay.
Leighton was sharing his net in Charlotte last season a lot more than he was the previous two years he spent in Rockford where he played in 46 and 42 games for the IceHogs. The veteran journeyman goaltender can mentor a top goalie prospect and still stop the puck consistently at the AHL level.
7. Yann Danis (St. John's/Laval): 25GP, 11-9-5, 2.99 GAA, .902 SV%, 1 SO
Danis was a veteran presence in St. John's mentoring young prospects Charlie Lindgren and Zachary Fucale last season on an AHL contract. He'll bring 359 AHL games of experience wherever he lands next, assuming the 36-year-old gives it another go in 2017-18.
8. Antoine Bibeau (Toronto): 32GP, 13-14-6, 3.08 GAA, .894 SV%, 3 SO
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with San Jose.
Bibeau did not receive a qualifying offer from the Maple Leafs, making him a pending unrestricted free agent. He was the odd man out with Garret Sparks and young goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo forcing a numbers game to make Toronto opt out of carrying three goalies in their farm system. Someone is going to cash in on Bibeau and get a solid AHL goaltender.
9. Justin Peters (Texas): 43GP, 18-22-2, 3.37 GAA, .882 SV%, 2 SO
EDIT: Signed in KHL with Dinamo Riga.
Split between Tucson and Texas in the AHL this past season, Peters overcame playing on some poor defensive teams and managed 18 wins last season despite sub-par statistics. In Hershey previously, Peters went 17-8 while enjoying a talented defense in front of him while a member of the Bears in 2015-16.
10. Mantas Armalis (San Jose): 24GP, 12-5-4, 3.06 GAA, .885 SV%, 2 SO
The 24-year-old Lithuanian goaltender had played pro hockey overseas in Sweden before his first taste of North American pro hockey in 2016-17. The record isn't bad, but might have been inflated due to being on a strong San Jose team. Wasn't tendered a qualifying offer.
11. Eddie Pasquale (Grand Rapids): 29GP, 15-9-3, 2.43 GAA, .919 SV%, 4 SO
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way deal with Edmonton.
The beneficiary of backstopping a potent offensive juggernaut, the veteran Pasquale proved he can still hold his own in the AHL.
12. Cal Heeter (Grand Rapids): 12 GP, 10-2-0, 2.07 GAA, .933 SV%, 1 SO
Heeter found himself in a good situation with Calder Cup Champion Grand Rapids this past season, filling in ably in January and February when the team's goaltending depth was tested. Could be a viable option for an experienced AHL backup in 2017-18.
13. Joe Cannata (San Antonio/Hershey): 28GP, 13-8-4, 3.30 GAA, .875 SV%, 0 SO
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Colorado.
After a 20-win season in Utica, Cannata struggled in Hershey before losing the Bears' starting job to rookie Vitek Vanecek. Cannata was later traded to Colorado after Washington acquired Pheonix Copley to strengthen the Bears' goalie tandem at the trade deadline.
14. Jeremy Smith (San Antonio): 17GP, 5-8-1, 2.57 GAA, .911 SV%, 0 SO
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Carolina.
A bit overshadowed by being on some bad teams the past two years, Smith can really be an under-the-radar kind of addition for an AHL club looking for a veteran to pair with a younger prospect in net. Smith had at least 16 wins in each of the last six seasons prior to last year's down year with lowly San Antonio.
15. Lars Johansson (Rockford): 39GP, 12-17-4, 2.75 GAA, .907 SV%, 2 SO
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in the KHL with CSKA Moskva.
Johansson's first season in North America might've been overshadowed by being on a lowly Rockford team in 2016-17. Johansson was a dominant goalie for Frolunda HC in Sweden in 2015-16 with seven shutouts and a 27-6 record in 37 appearances in the SHL prior to coming to North America last season. Might be worth taking a chance on.
16. Matt O'Connor (Belleville): 37GP, 14-18-3, 3.23 GAA, .895 SV%, 0 SO
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Nashville.
Coming into the Senators' AHL affiliate as a highly-touted goalie prospect, two inconsistent seasons with the BSens saw O'Connor not given a qualifying offer on Monday. How much can the 6-foot-6 goalie's struggles be attributed to being stuck on a bad defensive team his first two years at the pro level? Change of scenery could turn things around for him.
17. Martin Ouellette (Lehigh Valley): 3GP, 3-0-0, 1.06 GAA, .968 SV%, 0 SO
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Charlotte.
Relegated to ECHL duty in 2016-17 due to playing behind Anthony Stolarz and Alex Lyon, Ouellette could be an AHL regular if he decides to leave the Phantoms' organization.
18. Maxime Legace (Texas): 32GP, 11-12-5, 3.56 GAA, .883 SV%, 1 SO
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Vegas.
A bit of a regression from a 19-win season a year ago for Legace, but the Stars allowed more goals than every team in the AHL not named Binghamton or Hartford last season - surrendering 265 goals in 76 games in 2016-17. Perhaps a change of scenery will allow Legace a chance to regain some confidence.
19. Stephon Williams (Bridgeport): 24GP, 6-13-1, 3.08 GAA, .891 SV%, 1 SO
Call it a sophomore slump for Williams after a 15-win in 2015-16. Losing his first four starts of 2016-17, Williams never got it together this past season and Eamon McAdam emerged to overtake him on the depth chart. Not tendered a qualifying offer by the Islanders Monday, a fresh start elsewhere might be good for the 24-year-old.
20. Daniel Altshuller (Charlotte): 15GP, 7-5-0, 2.88 GAA, .907 SV%, 0 SO
With the veteran Michael Leighton and incoming rookie Alex Nedeljkovic, Altshuller was limited to just 15 AHL games this past season. A fringe AHL/ECHL goalie, Altshuller will be looking for a fresh start with a new team this fall likely on an AHL-only contract.
Forwards
Scott Allen (Bakersfield): 57GP, 8G-11A, -8, 26 PIM
Allen's 2nd pro season after the University of Alaksa-Anchorage was his first taste of the AHL and he made the most of it - sticking with Bakersfield for the entire season.
Mike Angelidis (Stockton): 49GP, 7G-13A, -2, 97 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year deal in EBEL with HC Bolzano.
The hard-nosed center has captained in the AHL the last five years but maintained his norms in his first year out west.
Guillaume Asselin (St. John's): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Added on an AHL contract, Asselin played at the University of Quebec-Trois-Rivieres in 2016-17 before appearing in a handful of games for the IceCaps' ECHL affilaite in Brampton.
Graham Black (Springfield): 33GP, 4G-4A, +5, 16 PIM
Black was buried on a struggling AHL squad last season, and has yet to really show the offensive upside he did when he was in the WHL with Swift Current through three years at the pro level.
Mike Borkowski (Grand Rapids): 51GP, 3G-2A, +1, 2 PIM
A depth player in his first full season of pro hockey after a four-year collegiate career at Colgate University.
Troy Bourke (San Antonio): 74GP, 9G-15A, -7, 20 PIM
Back in the AHL for a full season, Bourke made the most of it on a struggling San Antonio team in 2016-17.
Ryan Bourque (Hershey): 53GP, 4G-10A, -4, 16 PIM
An AHL bottom-six type that took an AHL deal with the Bears last season to play with his brother Chris. Will the Bears bring him back on a similar deal in 2017-18?
Brady Brassart (Iowa): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
EDIT: Signed an ECHL contract with Idaho.
Brassart was an ECHL forward in 2016-17 and not tendered a qualifying offer by Minnesota.
Chris Brown (Hartford): 64GP, 14G-13A, -18, 78 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in DEL with Iserlohn.
The feisty forward continues to play a solid two-way game in the AHL, and took on a leadership role with Hartford last season as an alternate captain.
Rihards Bukarts (Springfield): 14GO, 0G-3A, -1, 4 PIM
The Latvian born forward's first pro season in North America was certainly a learning experience. He spent most of the year in the ECHL with Manchester where he was near a point-per-game player.
Jarrett Burton (W-B/Scranton): 39GP, 7G-4A, +2, 39 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed an AHL contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
The fourth line grinder got an extended AHL look with the Pens this season and became more reliable with each passing game.
Tony Cameranesi (Toronto): 31GP, 4G-3A, +7, 8 PIM
A depth player passing between AHL Toronto and ECHL Orlando last season.
Colin Campbell (Grand Rapids): 57GP, 9G-11A, -2, 35 PIM
Campbell has spent all three years of his pro career with Grand Rapids as a solid two-way player out of Lake Superior State University.
Jordan Caron (Chicago): 57GP, 5G-20A, +3, 47 PIM
Caron wasn't tendered a qualifying offer and could help bolster an AHL roster's depth up front.
Ryan Carter (Iowa): 18GP, 1G-2A, Even, 25 PIM
Carter was back in the AHL for the first time since 2007-08 this past season, appearing in a handful of games in Iowa.
Daniel Catenacci (Rochester/Hartford): 69GP, 9G-13A, -24, 70 PIM
Catenacci was moved from Buffalo to New York last season in an AHL-level trade. He wasn't tendered a qualifying offer from the Rangers organization this summer.
Daniel Ciampini (Ontario): 23GP, 1G-4A, +4, 12 PIM
A fringe AHL/ECHL forward last season in Ontario.
Emerson Clark (Chicago/Utica): 12GP, 2G-2A, Even, 0 PIM
Clark was mainly an ECHL forward this past season.
Marc-Andre Cliche (Toronto): 16GP, 1G-2A, -1, 6 PIM
A rather uneventful 2016-17 season for Cliche, who has to be hoping for more ice time with his next team.
Rich Clune (Toronto): 37GP, 3G-7A, -2, 87 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Toronto.
The longtime rugged forward still plays the game with an edge and wreaks havoc on the opposition in the physicality department. He's been the alternate captain for the Marlies the past two seasons.
Shane Conacher (Toronto): 3GP, 0G-0A, +1, 0 PIM
Cory Conacher's younger brother was an ECHL forward for Orlando in 2016-17 while in his first full season at the pro level.
Connor Crisp (St. John's): 7GP, 0G-0A, Even, 4 PIM
Primarily an ECHL forward, Crisp's entry level contract expired and he wasn't retained by Montreal.
Dan DeSalvo (Manitoba): 66GP, 18G-22A, -18, 30 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Hartford.
Beginning the year in the ECHL, DeSalvo turned in a solid 2nd pro season in the AHL with Manitoba in 2016-17.
Jaedon Descheneau (Bakersfield): 38GP, 6G-9A, -8, 14 PIM
Jaedon's rookie season was spent split between the AHL and ECHL.
Jean Dupuy (Rochester): 46GP, 3G-9A, -5, 46 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Toronto.
In just his second pro season, Dupuy was an alternate captain for the Amerks last season.
Patrick Dwyer (Charlotte): 58GP, 14G-12A, +4, 20 PIM
The 12-year pro returned to the Hurricanes organization on an AHL deal in 2016-17 after a year in Sweden with MODO Hockey. Comes with over 700 pro games of experience on his hockey resume.
Turner Elson (San Antonio): 13GP, 1G-2A, -2, 12 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Detroit.
After back-to-back 30-point AHL seasons, Elson hit a roadblock in San Antonio last season.
Bobby Farnham (St. John's): 71GP, 11G-17A, +10, 137 PIM
The speedy, feisty Farnham is a nuisance for his opponents but can also chip in a little offensively when needed. A team-first guy that would be good to have in any AHL locker room. Never quits or backs down.
Brian Ferlin (Providence): 2GP, 0G-0A, 2 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Edmonton.
A concussion in 2015-16 and a major knee surgery in 2016-17 has seen Ferlin appear in just 25 games in the last two years.
Mike Ferrantino (Charlotte): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Ferrantino was an ECHL player on an AHL contract last season, though he put up good numbers with the Florida Everblades in 2016-17 in his first full season of pro hockey following a four-year collegiate career with Michigan State.
Landon Ferraro (Chicago): 22GP, 7G-8A, +4, 12 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Minnesota.
Ferraro had success in limited action in 2016-17 before tearing his ACL. He says he has healed and is fully ready to go in 2017-18.
Brett Findlay (Toronto): 34GP, 10G-14A, +6, 8 PIM
Splitting time between the AHL and ECHL for the third straight year, Findlay has the offensive ability to score at the AHL level and has show it in glimpses the last two years.
Justin Fontaine (Hartford/Bakersfield): 65GP, 11G-30A, +1, 26 PIM
Fontaine had much better results once being moved from Hartford and onto Bakersfield, where he finished the year with 11 points in 15 games.
Stefan Fournier (Tucson/Syracuse): 32GP, 2G-2A, -1, 97 PIM
Fournier was traded mid-season from Arizona to Tampa Bay and played a handful of games for the Crunch down the stretch as a depth player.
Brett Gallant (Cleveland): 50GP, 3G-2A, -7, 128 PIM
The veteran enforcer continues to police the ice, and will be looking to take his toughness to likely a new team in 2017-18.
Luke Gazdic (Albany): 37GP, 1G-6A, -2, 63 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Calgary.
The physical fourth line forward split time between the NHL and AHL last season, playing his usual hard-nosed style of game.
Dustin Gazley (Hershey): 3GP, 1G-0A, +1, 0 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Hershey.
Missed almost the entire season due to injury. Very small, but very speedy winger.
Sahir Gill (W-B/Scranton): 44GP, 6G-12A, +6, 12 PIM
Injuries limited Gill to just 44 games when he looked poised for a breakout season in 2016-17. Perhaps, if he stays healthy, the breakout year will be in 2017-18.
Boyd Gordon (Lehigh Valley): 6GP, 0G-0A, -6, 21 PIM
A knee injury shortly after his arrival to the AHL from the Flyers caused him to miss the rest of the 2016-17 season. Bottom-six penalty killing specialist.
Colin Greening (Toronto): 69GP, 10G-14A, +6, 49 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Toronto.
Finishing up the end of a bad contract, it'll be interesting to see if Greening gets another NHL contract and a shot at the top league or if he'll have to settle for an AHL deal in 2017-18.
Kyle Hagel (Charlotte): 24GP, 1G-3A, -2, 48 PIM
EDIT: Retired from pro hockey, now assistant coach with WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds.
Hagel has been a depth player in the AHL the past several years including the last three with Charlotte.
Marc Hagel (Iowa/Binghamton): 53GP, 2G-8A, -11, 39 PIM
Not much more than a depth forward in the AHL last season, moved in a mid-season trade to Binghamton.
Ryan Haggerty (W-B/Scranton): 58GP, 11G-12A, +8, 46 PIM
Haggerty put together a respectable season as a bottom-six forward for the Pens last season on an AHL contract.
Mike Halmo (Syracuse): 69GP, 16G-12A, -7, 100 PIM
Halmo was a nice secondary scoring option in Syracuse this past season despite less production than previous year in Bridgeport where he was more heavily leaned on.
Colton Hargrove (Providence): 67GP, 8G-16A, -2, 55 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Providence.
A 25-30 point guy over the last two seasons as a pro, Hargrove's entry level contract expired and he wasn't qualified by Boston earlier this week.
Shane Harper (Springfield/Albany): 58GP, 8G-14A, -9, 8 PIM
A bit of a down year for Harper playing most of the season on lowly Springfield before a late-season trade to Albany. In the right situation, he could get back closer to his 32-goal season in Chicago from 2014-15.
Mitchell Heard (Charlotte): 36GP, 0G-4A, -5, 53 PIM
Heard had much better success in the ECHL with Florida this past season (13 points in 11 games) than while in the AHL with Charlotte. A career fringe minor leaguer.
Samuel Henley (San Antonio): 55GP, 3G-6A, -9, 39 PIM
Henley is still finding his way in the pro game, but the one-game taste of the NHL last season had to be a rewarding moment for him after a tough year with San Antonio.
Sam Herr (Ontario): 61GP, 8G-6A, +3, 30 PIM
Herr's first pro season following college hockey at Notre Dame went over pretty well.
Christian Hilbrich (W-B/Scranton): 6GP, 0G-0A, Even, 0 PIM
The 6-foot-7 forward put up 45 points in 65 ECHL games with Wheeling last season.
Ben Holmstrom (Bridgeport): 76GP, 7G-9A,-11, 91 PIM
The Sound Tigers' captain has played in all of his team's games in each of the last two-years and plays a hard-nosed, two-way game.
Josh Holmstrom (Bridgeport): 66GP, 2G-5A, -2, 41 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Bridgeport.
The younger Holmstrom's first full season in the AHL came this past season after being primarily an ECHL player his first two years as a pro.
Quinton Howden (Manitoba): 58GP, 13G-11A, -1, 10 PIM
The former 1st round pick of the Florida Panthers wasn't offered a qualifying offer from Winnipeg earlier this week.
Derek Hulak (Utica): 17GP, 4G-1A, +2, 4 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Lehigh Valley.
A 2016-17 season to forget for Hulak, who had back to back 40-point seasons in his first two years in the league.
Kellen Jones (Bridgeport): 58GP, 6G-9A, -1, 48 PIM
Kellen's twin-brother Connor received a qualifying offer from the Islanders on June 25th. Kellen was on an AHL-only contract and is a pending free agent.
Sergei Kalinin (Toronto): 19GP, 2G-2A, +1, 9 PIM
EDIT: Signed a three-year deal in KHL with SKA St. Petersburg.
After spending his first pro season in North America entirely in the NHL, Kalinin was moved to Toronto this past season and finished the year on the Maple Leafs' AHL affiliate.
Justin Kea (Rochester): 12GP, 2G-2A, Even, 18 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year ECHL contract with Florida.
A fringe ECHL/AHL player in 2016-17 that spent more time in the ECHL with Elmira.
Tim Kennedy (Rochester): 47GP, 4G-25A, Even, 28 PIM
The veteran forward returned to North America after two years overseas and was a dependable AHL player in 2016-17 on an AHL contract.
Levko Koper (Charlotte): 56GP, 7G-11A, +2, 12 PIM
Despite being 26, Koper played in his first full season of pro hockey in 2016-17 following five years with Spokane in the WHL and another five years at the University of Alberta.
Scott Kosmachuk (Manitoba): 58GP, 11G-17A, -3, 47 PIM
Kosmachuk finished his entry level contract and wasn't rendered a qualifying offer from Winnipeg.
Adam Krause (W-B/Scranton): 14GP, 3G-4A, +11, 4 PIM
EDIT: Signed an AHL contract with Rochester.
Injuries limited Krause to split time between AHL and ECHL last season.
Danny Kristo (Chicago/WBS/Charlotte): 54GP, 10G-13A,-3, 16 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year deal in KHL with Dinamo Riga.
Kristo was traded twice in the same season, and is looking for a new AHL opportunity in 2017-18 with what will be his fourth team in one calendar year.
Alex Krushelynski (Binghamton): 43GP, 3G-4Am -9, 20 PIM
Only one year removed from a 60-point ECHL season, Krushelynski spent most of 2016-17 in the AHL and is continuing to grow his game.
Cody Kunyk (Utica): 61GP, 15G-22A, -6, 16 PIM
Returning to North America after a year in Denmark, Kunyk got right back to where he was two years ago in the AHL - playing a reliable two-way game with some scoring touch.
John Kurtz (Syracuse): 17GP, 5G-1A, +1, 31 PIM
Kurtz was a AHL/ECHL tweener in 2016-17 and has tamed his over-physical tendencies that saw him over 100 penalty minutes in four of the five years he was an AHL mainstay.
Pierre-Cedric Labrie (Rockford): 52GP, 1G-7A, -12, 96 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Nashville.
The rugged forward followed up a 20-goal season with just one tally in 2016-17. A down year for Labrie.
Brooks Laich (Toronto): 27GP, 1G-8A, +3, 12 PIM
Similar to Colin Greening, it'll be interesting to see what the market for Laich is this offseason as a former NHL player forced into the minors because of a bad contract.
Matthew Lane (Rochester): 15GP, 0G-2A, -9, 2 PIM
Lane was mostly an ECHL player and an AHL fill-in in 2016-17.
Jeremy Langlois (Rockford): 66GP, 8G-6A, -4, 13 PIM
A down year production-wise from Langlois in his fourth season of pro hockey.
Pierre-Luc Leblond (Syracuse): 38GP, 1G-4A, -14, 128 PIM
The enforcer picked his spots when he was in the lineup last season. His role is a dying breed in pro hockey.
Michael Latta (Ontario/Rockford): 61GP, 5G-17A, -8, 128 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Arizona.
The feisty forward switched teams in a mid-season trade, finishing the year with Rockford and continuing his abrasive style on the ice.
Ty Loney (Albany/Chicago): 24GP, 4G-6A,+6, 4 PIM
The big-bodied forward is still trying to find his game in the AHL and has had some ECHL time mixed in so far in his two-year pro career.
Joel Lowry (Ontario): 40GP, 1G-7A, +7, 64 PIM
A depth forward for the Reign in 2016-17.
Kevin Lynch (Syracuse): 37GP, 5G-2A, -4, 18 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Syracuse for 2017-18
Lynch really developed late in the season into a strong penalty killing two-way forward that is perfect for Syracuse's bottom-six moving forward.
Zac Lynch (Springfield): 21GP, 3G-1A, Even, 0 PIM
A fringe AHL/ECHL player in 2016-17 that was a point per game player with Manchester in 34 ECHL games in his first season of pro hockey.
Stephen MacAulay (Springfield): 39GP, 2G-4A, +2, 6 PIM
A depth AHL forward for the Thunderbirds last season with limited success.
Mark MacMillan (St. John's): 58GP, 6G-7A, -6, 12 PIM
Primarily a depth player for the IceCaps last season and not tendered a qualifying offer by Montreal earlier this week.
Brad Malone (Hershey/Chicago): 71GP, 11G-17A, +6, 72 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year contract with Edmonton.
The two-way forward was moved at the deadline, finishing the year with Chicago as a depth forward.
Jan Mandat (Albany): 52GP, 6G-8A, +6, 25 PIM
Mandat's first pro season came with its lumps, but the first year is a learning experience for incoming rookies so it went as expected.
Matt Mangene (Texas): 66GP, 8G-19A, -3, 47 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Texas.
Mangene has played both forward and defense in his time with AHL Texas and has become a full-time player at this level.
Mason Marchment (Toronto): 9GP, 1G-0A, -2, 6 PIM
Marchment was mainly an ECHL player in his rookie pro season with the Marlies organization on an AHL-only contract.
Dylan Margonari (Hershey): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
An ECHL forward in 2016-17 with South Carolina, putting up 17 points in 32 games.
Colin Markison (Bridgeport): 28GP, 2G-4A, -1, 8 PIM
A depth forward for the Sound Tigers in each of the last two years following a four-year career at the University of Vermont.
Brandon Mashinter (Rockford): 61GP, 15G-15A, -20, 70 PIM
The nearly 500-game AHL veteran continue to chug along in the minors after half a season in the NHL in 2015-16.
Stefan Matteau (St. John's): 67GP, 12G-13A, -3, 122 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Vegas.
Matteau wasn't qualified by Montreal, and is a solid two-way forward at the AHL level.
Chris McCarthy (Lehigh Valley): 17GP, 1G-2A, +7, 4 PIM
Mainly an AHL call up option last season, McCarthy put up 47 points in 43 ECHL games with the Reading Royals in 2016-17.
Patrick McGrath (W-B/Scranton): 30GP, 1G_3A, +1, 89 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
The local product re-signed another AHL deal for the 2017-18 season and has been growing his game and becoming a more consistent player at this level. Scored his first career AHL goal last season.
Milan Michalek (Toronto): 16GP, 2G-3A, -1, 20 PIM
Does the 747 NHL game career of Michalek make it to 748 or are his NHL days behind him?
Garrett Mitchell (Hershey): 71GP, 10G-10A, -1 ,121 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Hershey.
The career AHL'er was given a gift by Washington at the end of the season, making his NHL debut. Otherwise, he's a dime-a-dozen AHL grinder that gets under his opponents' skin. The Bears' captain the past two years.
Domenic Monardo (Hershey): 11GP, 0G-3A, +1, 6 PIM
EDIT: Signed in the EBEL with HC Bolzano.
Monardo was mainly an AHL fill in last season with the Bears, and opted to take his talents overseas for the 2017-18 season.
Peter Mueller (Providence): 56GP, 13G-12A, -5, 20 PIM
After three years overseas, Mueller returned to North America on an AHL deal and had limited success with the PBruins last season.
Daniel Muzito-Bagenda (Rochester): 61GP, 9G-6A, -6, 45 PIM
The Swedish-born forward's first AHL season went about as expected for a guy making the jump to North American pro hockey.
Mark Naclerio (Providence): 10GP, 1G-1A, -3, 2 PIM
An ECHL forward with Atlanta last season, totaling 33 points in 40 games.
Chad Nehring (Binghamton): 50GP, 5G-13A, -8, 16 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in DEL with Fischtown.
Nehring wasn't the same player he was in a 48-point season with Hartford in 2015-16.
Andrej Nestrasil (Charlotte): 39GP, 5G-9A, +2, 6 PIM
Nestrasil has been a fringe NHL player for several seasons, and 2016-17 was no different as he split time between Carolina and Charlotte.
Kris Newbury (Charlotte/Bakersfield): 52GP, 11G-9A, -3, 50 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in the DEL with Fischtown.
Starting the year in the ECHL, Newbury quickly latched onto an AHL team early on in the season. The veteran is heading overseas for the first time in his pro career for 2017-18.
Max Novak (Albany): 63GP, 7G-8A, -15, 23 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Toronto.
Novak's second full season in the AHL went similarly to his first with the Devils.
Jim O'Brien (San Antonio): 53GP, 9G-15A, -11, 42 PIM
O'Brien can be a difference maker at the AHL level in a complementary role surrounded with other talented forwards.
Ryan Olsen (Manitoba): 56GP, 7G-4A, -9, 54 PIM
It became clear Olsen wasn't part of Winnipeg's future plans as he was down on the depth chart in the AHL with Manitoba.
Mark Olver (Tucson/Bakersfield): 50GP, 6G-14A, +5, 33 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in DEL with Eisbaren Berlin.
The veteran forward returned after two years of overseas hockey and was a depth forward at the AHL level in 2016-17.
John Parker (Hershey): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
The former Bemidji State University product spent his first pro season in the ECHL with South Carolina, putting up a respectable 32 points in 59 games.
Pascal Pelletier (Utica): 52GP, 10G-18A, +2, 20 PIM
After several years overseas, Pelletier took an AHL deal with Utica to play in North America in 2016-17. Will he bolt back overseas or stick around the AHL in 2017-18?
Rod Pelley (Albany): 71GP, 6G-7A, -4, 34 PIM
Does the Devils' captain the past four seasons have one more year left in him?
Anthony Peluso (Manitoba): 22GP, 0G-2A, +2, 6 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Washington.
After several NHL seasons, Peluso was relegated to AHL duty in 2016-17 without much success.
Chris Porter (Providence): 67GP, 8G-17A, +1, 28 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Providence.
The veteran two-way forward played well in Providence last season on an AHL only contract. Plenty of experience to provide to his next team.
Tyler Randell (Providence): 59GP, 1G-9A, -6, 81 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Ottawa.
The PBruins enforcer hits free agency Saturday and adds obvious toughness to the AHL lineup when he's dressed.
Brendan Ranford (Texas/Tucson/San Antonio): 67GP, 10G-24A, - 10, 16 PIM
Ranford bounced around the Pacific Division this past year.
Joel Rechlicz (Bakersfield): 15GP, 0G-0A, -4, 54 PIM
The longtime AHL enforcer has seen limited use in the past few years.
Borna Rendulic (Utica): 69GP, 12G-11A, +3, 30 PIM
Renudlic has had limited NHL opportunities in his time in North America so far, but is starting to adapt to the smaller rink and make better decisions with less time and space.
Mike Ribeiro (Milwaukee): 28GP, 5G-21A, -6, 18 PIM
2016-17 was Ribeiro's first AHL stint since 2002-03, as the 37-year-old veteran forward has amassed over 1,000 NHL games. It appears his NHL days are done, but is he ready to hang em up for good?
Zac Rinaldo (Providence): 29GP, 5G-2A, -12, 20 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Arizona.
There's no typo on Rinaldo's penalty minutes from the 2016-17 season. He's become rather tame since being acquired from the Flyers two years ago.
Eric Robinson (Springfield): 40GP, 1G-5A, +4, 10 PIM
Depth AHL forward in 2016-17 for the Thunderbirds on an AHL-only contract last season.
Jack Rodewald (Binghamton): 66GP, 18G-9A, -13, 34 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year AHL contract with Belleville.
Rodewald put up good numbers in his first full AHL season on an offensively friendly Binghamton team in 2016-17.
Ryan Rupert (Binghamton): 33GP, 3G-3A, -12, 25 PIM
EDIT: Signed an ECHL contract with Indy.
The undersized forward split time between the AHL and ECHL in 2016-17, and was not tendered a qualifying offer.
Henrik Samuelsson (Tucson/Bakersfield): 25GP, 2G-1A, Even, 20 PIM
Injuries and falling out of favor in the Arizona organization led to his departure to Edmonton. The 2012-1st rounder needs a change of scenery and a fresh start to revive his pro career.
Jordan Samuels-Thomas (San Diego): 56GP, 12G-12A, +13, 17 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year AHL contract with San Diego.
'JST' finished his third pro season following collegiate hockey at Quinnipiac with his second consecutive 10-goal, 10-assist AHL campaign. A solid bottom-six depth player at this level.
Nick Saracino (Iowa): 33GP, 2G-4A, -4, 6 PIM
On an AHL contract in his first pro season out of Providence College, Saracino was a depth forward in and out of the Wild lineup in 2016-17 while learning to adapt to life as a pro.
Tom Sestito (W-B/Scranton): 33GP, 6G-10A, +1, 121 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.
The Penguins' enforcer can do more than drop the gloves. He makes the games interesting.
Quentin Shore (Ontario): 13GP, 1G-0A, +1, 2 PIM
Shore's first pro season following college hockey at the University of Denver was spent primarily in the ECHL where he posted 43 points in 56 games in Manchester.
Brett Sterling (Chicago): 61GP, 11G-18A, +10, 40 PIM
The undersized scorer returned to Chicago after three years overseas, and played a secondary scoring role on an offensively potent Wolves team last season. Might he come back on another AHL deal in the fall.
Zack Stortini (Binghamton/San Jose): 48GP, 3G-1A, -10, 116 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Charlotte.
Stortini is a big, physical forward that isn't afraid to drop his gloves or stick up for his teammates. The veteran is great to have on your team, and not so much fun to play against.
Petr Straka (Albany): 38GP, 4G-9A, -6, 14 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year deal in Czech Republic with HC Plzen
After an early-season trade from the Phantoms to the Devils, Straka battled injuries last season and decided to return overseas to play hockey closer to home in 2017-18.
Brody Sutter (Springfield): 19GP, 4G-5A, -6, 6 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Manitoba.
Injuries limited Sutter to just 19 games last season.
Steven Swavely (Lehigh Valley): 16GP, 0G-0A, -3, PIM
EDIT: Re-signed an AHL contract with Lehigh Valley.
Buried in the ECHL due to the Phantoms' forward depth, Swavely played down the stretch and was responsible enough defensively and strong on the face-off dot - allowing him to play in all five of the Phantoms' postseason games. The Reading, Pa. native re-signed and will be back in 2017-18.
Justin Vaive (Rochester): 66GP, 3G-6A, -6, 90 PIM
After a strong pair of AHL seasons, Vaive was back to a fringe AHL forward in 2016-17 between AHL Rochester and ECHL Cincinnati.
Yannick Veilleux (St. John's): 53GP, 6G-10A, +6, 59 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Laval.
A depth forward for the IceCaps who also saw some ECHL time in 2016-17 for the first time in three years since his rookie season in 2013-14.
Joel Vermin (Syracuse): 46GP, 13G-19A, +3, 17 PIM
EDIT: Signed a five-year contract in NLA with Lausanne HC
Vermin wasted little time signing a contract closer to home back across the pond after his season with the Crunch ended. Likely an agreement made during the AHL postseason.
A.J. White (Providence): 12GP, 0G-2A, +2, 2 PIM
White was an ECHL'er in 2016-17, amassing 20 points in 49 games with Atlanta.
Joshua Winquist (Bridgeport): 53GP, 15G-17A, +12, 21 PIM
EDIT: Signed an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies.
Back-to-back 30-point AHL seasons makes Winquist a solid depth addition for any AHL club.
Chase Witala (Toronto): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Witala was an ECHL player in his rookie season at the pro level.
Brendan Woods (Charlotte): 24GP, 3G-3A, -7, 41 PIM
The Palmyra, Pa native had spent his first four years of pro hockey with the Hurricanes organization. The AHL bottom-six forward will be looking for a new home this summer.
Kelly Zajac (Hershey): 9GP, 4G-3A, +8, 2 PIM
Mainly an ECHL forward in 2016-17, putting up 52 points in 59 games with South Carolina.
Mike Zalewski (Utica): 54GP, 5G-13A, +11, 36 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in DEL with Straubing.
Zalewski has sniffed the NHL with Vancouver but been an AHL mainstay with Utica throughout his entry level deal which expired this summer.
Mark Zengerle (Lehigh Valley): 69GP, 13G-21A, -6, 16 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year deal in SHL with Linkoping HC.
Zengerle's vision was second to none in the AHL season, and if not for limited power play time on a deep team he could have hit 50 points on the year with ease. He's taking his talents overseas in 2017-18.
Defensemen
Conor Allen (Grand Rapids): 56GP, 1G-10A, -4, 49 PIM
The veteran defender is two years removed from back-to-back 30-plus point AHL seasons now, but still serviceable as a depth defender on the third pairing.
Bryce Aneloski (Bakersfield): 35GP, 1G-4A,-4, 16 PIM
A fringe AHL/ECHL defender throughout his four-year pro career who's been about a 30-point guy in the ECHL.
Brandon Anselmini (Texas): 10GP, 0G-3A, +3, 6 PIM
Anselmini was primarily an ECHL defender in his rookie season at the pro level.
Keith Aulie (Cleveland/Stockton): 57GP, 2G-5A, -1, 92 PIM
The rangy defender plays a stay at home game but moves well for a 6-foot-6, 223 pound blue liner. The eight-year veteran will be searching for another AHL deal in 2017-18.
Brady Austin (Rochester): 72GP, 4G-8A, -10, 59 PIM
The third year pro wasn't offered a qualifying offer this summer as his entry-level contract expired, but has 210 AHL games of experience under his belt and is looking for his next AHL opportunity.
Jake Baker (Manitoba): 15GP, 0G-1A, +4, 30 PIM
Baker split this past season between the AHL and ECHL while on an AHL contract for the second straight year.
Mac Bennett (Rochester): 46GP, 3G-6A, -19, 15 PIM
His third pro season appeared to be similar to his rookie year in 2014-15, but he fell out of favor in the organization after signing a one-year AHL deal with the Amerks last summer.
Marc-Andre Bergeron (Cleveland): 22GP, 5G-8A,-2, 8 PIM
Making a return to North America after three years overseas playing for the ZSC Lions in the NLA, Bergeron turned a training camp invite in Columbus into a PTO with AHL Cleveland before earning an NHL deal to play the rest of the season in the AHL. He's 37 in October, will he make it one more year in the AHL this fall?
Patrick Bjorkstrand (Ontario): 42GP, 8G-4A, +3, 10 PIM
Bjorkstrand's first season in North America was average, but the potential is there once he fully adapts to the North American pro game.
Stu Bickel (San Diego): 26GP, 2G-4A, -2, 148 PIM
The Gulls' enforcer had 210 penalty minutes in 2015-16, but continues to be a physical force on the back end and unafraid of the fisticuffs.
Dylan Blujus (Syracuse): 23GP, 1G-7A, +3, 16 PIM
Surprisingly, the former 2012-2nd round pick wasn't tendered a qualifying offer by the Lightning and is headed toward free agency on July 1st.
Chris Breen (Providence): 37GP, 1G-2A, Even, 38 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Providence.
The 6-foot-7 defender was an alternate captain for the PBruins for the second consecutive season despite being limited to just 37 regular season games. The AHL free agent might be looking to take his 400 AHL games of experience to a new opportunity outside of Providence this summer.
Mathieu Brodeur (Syracuse): 56GP, 3G-10A, +14, 57 PIM
The 6-foot-6 defenseman filled in ably during the season and was rewarded with a roster spot for the 2017 Calder Cup Playoffs as well. On an AHL deal in 2016-17, teams looking to add size and dependability should inquire for Brodeur's services this fall.
Nikolas Brouillard (Toronto): 1GP, 0G-0A, -1, 0 PIM
On an AHL deal last season, Brouillard was an ECHL defenseman in 2016-17 with Orlando - tallying 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 39 games.
Julien Brouillette (St. John's): 57GP, 3G-10A, +2, 14 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in EBEL with EC Salzburg.
The 30-year-old defender returned to St. John's after a year overseas in the SHL, but hasn't returned to form that he exhibited while a member of the Hershey Bears.
Travis Brown (San Jose): 1GP, 0G-0A, +1, 2 PIM
Signed to an AHL contract for depth, the Barracuda never needed Brown's services in 2016-17 minus one game. He was primarily an ECHL player with the Allen Americans.
Matt Caito (Grand Rapids): 13GP, 1G-1A, +1, 6 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Iowa.
A depth defender on an AHL contract with the Griffins last season though primarily in ECHL with Toledo.
Chris Carlisle (Binghamton): 74GP, 3G-13A, -29, 35 PIM
The undersized - but not overmatched - Carlisle is a depth defenseman at the AHL level. Don't let the horrid plus/minus scare you, Binghamton was putrid defensively last season.
Mat Clark (San Antonio): 38GP, 1G-6A, -1, 29 PIM
The former 2nd round pick of Anaheim in 2009 has been stuck on a struggling San Antonio team in the past two years, but is a dependable defenseman at the AHL level.
Adam Comrie (Syracuse): 55GP, 8G-11A, -7, 33 PIM
The offensively-gifted defenseman played a bit at forward this season with the Crunch. His big-time slap shot can do some damage, particularly on the power power play.
Brian Cooper (San Diego): 37GP, 4G-6A, +5, 10 PIM
Cooper's first full pro season following four years at the University of Nebraska-Omaha saw him in a limited role in 2016-17. He's certainly hoping for another AHL deal for the upcoming season to build on his game.
Cody Corbett (San Antonio/Hershey): 23GP, 2G-8A, -4, 6 PIM
Corbett was acquired by Washington in the trade that sent goaltender Joe Cannata to Colorado, and never saw AHL ice with Hershey down the stretch before not being tendered a qualifying offer by the Capitals on June 25th.
Patrice Cormier (Manitoba): 69GP, 13G-16A, +10, 101 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Manitoba.
The Moose's captain has been a part of the organization the past seven years spanning his entire pro career back to the Atlanta Thrashers days in 2010-11.
Willie Corrin (Toronto): 4GP, 0G-0A, -2, 2 PIM
On an AHL deal last season, Corrin was an ECHL defender in 2016-17 mainly with the Brampton Beast tallying 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists) in 40 games.
Ryan Culkin (Stockton): 19GP, 0G-0A, -2, 4 PIM
Culkin wasn't tendered a qualifying offer from Calgary following a third straight year in the organization with limited success at the AHL level.
Patrick Cullity (Bridgeport): 36GP, 0G-5A, -4, 52 PIM
The physical defender was mainly an AHL depth defensemen this past season, but remains an AHL free agent.
Chris DeSousa (Rockford): 36GP, 4G-1A, -8, 77 PIM
A fringe AHL/ECHL forward that has spent the past two seasons in Rockford.
Josiah Didier (St. John's): 39GP, 2G-6A, +3, 25 PIM
The second year pro improved upon his rookie season, but the AHL free agent is still unsigned for 2017-18. With the St. John's IceCaps now defunct as the Montreal Canadiens re-located their AHL affiliate to Laval, there's no telling how it will affect the IceCaps' AHL-only free agents this summer.
Darren Dietz (Hershey/Texas): 52GP, 6G-8A, +1, 61 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in KHL with Barys Astana.
Dietz wasn't tendered a qualifying offer by Hershey and didn't appear to be a part of the plans for the Captials' AHL affiliate when they loaned him to Texas in March.
Kayle Doetzel (Stockton): 56GP, 0G-2A, +6, 59 PIM
Doetzel's rookie season was surely a learning experience, and he'll look to build off it in 2017-18 though currently an AHL free agent.
Teddy Doherty (Springfield): 1GP, 0G-0A, Even, 0 PIM
On an AHL deal last season, Doherty was exclusively an ECHL defenseman in 2016-17 - putting together 36 points (eight goals, 28 assists) in 63 ECHL games last year predominantly with Manchester.
Troy Donnay (Hartford): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Donnay wasn't tendered a qualifying offer by the New York Rangers, becoming an unrestricted free agent following just one AHL game in two seasons of pro hockey. Had 3G-14A in 61 ECHL games with Greenville in 2016-17.
Tim Erixon (W-B/Scranton): 54GP, 4G-13A, +11, 24 PIM
Erixon wasn't tendered a qualifying offer from Pittsburgh, and it has been reported by KHL team Jokerit that they have acquired the player's KHL rights although to date a contract hasn't been signed/announced yet. Erixon is likely headed overseas and thus not an AHL option in 2017-18.
Stepan Falkovsky (Stockton): No AHL Stats for 2016-17
EDIT: Signed entry-level contract with Los Angeles
The towering defender native to Belarus didn't crack the AHL roster in his first season of pro hockey in North America.
Matthew Finn (Bridgeport): 2GP, 0G-0A, -2, 0 PIM
EDIT: Signed an AHL contract with Charlotte.
Finn put up 11 goals and 23 assists in 52 ECHL games with Missouri last season, but he's been unable to stick in the AHL full-time throughout his pro career.
Mark Fraser (Bakersfield): 65GP, 3G-3G, -4, 79 PIM
The hard-hitting veteran defenseman just finished up his 11th season of pro hockey and surely is looking for a 12th in 2017-18.
Paul Geiger (Rochester): 49GP, 3G-6A, -7, 35 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Hershey.
On an AHL deal in 2016-17, Geiger was a depth defenseman for the Amerks this past season in his first full season following a four-year collegiate career at Clarkson.
Eric Gelinas (San Antonio): 27GP, 3G-9A, -22, 14 PIM
A fringe NHL/AHL defenseman, Gelinas wasn't qualified by Colorado on June 25th and is heading towards the free agent market.
Barry Goers (W-B/Scranton): 37GP, 4G-8A, +16, 8 PIM
EDIT: Signed an AHL contract with Rochester.
His last four seasons have been spent with the AHL Penguins organization, but his last two years have been injury-riddled. If he can stay healthy, he's a third pairing AHL defender with experience and puck-moving ability.
Brandon Gormley (Albany/Binghamton): 52GP, 4G-11A, -20, 42 PIM
Traded from New Jersey to Ottawa back in March, the offensively-minded defenseman is four years removed from back-to-back 29-point plus seasons when he entered the pro ranks as a 2010 1st round pick (13th overall).
Spiro Goulakos (Hartford): 8GP, 0G-2A, -2, 4 PIM
Goulakos has had no problem producing offensively in the ECHL in his two-years as a pro, but has yet to stick in the AHL on a more permanent basis.
Jesse Graham (Bridgeport): 19GP, 2G-7A, +11, 6 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year deal with Colorado.
Graham put up decent AHL numbers in a limited role, but wasn't tendered a qualifying offer from the Islanders after his entry-level contract expired this summer.
Alex Gudbranson (Iowa/Toronto): 4GP, 0G-0A, +2, 2 PIM
EDIT: Signed to a two-way AHL/ECHL contract with Toronto.
Despite being on an NHL contract with Minnesota, Erik's brother didn't appear in a Wild game all season long - spending most of the season in the ECHL with Quad City before being loaned to the Toronto Marlies for a four-game AHL stint (his only AHL action of the 2016-17 season. Unsurprisingly, he wasn't tendered a qualifying offer and is two-years removed from a 46-game AHL season in his rookie year of pro.
Seth Helgeson (Albany): 48GP, 2G-7A, +11, 50 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with New York Islanders.
A fringe NHL/AHL defender, Helgeson split time between New Jersey and Albany for the third straight season but has yet to re-sign with the Devils for a fifth year in the organization.
Tommy Hughes (Hartford): 53GP, 0G-5A, -13, 34 PIM
Hughes has spent all four years of his pro career in the AHL with the New York Rangers' affiliate in Hartford, some 226 regular season games. The stay-at-home defender hasn't eclipsed 10 points in any of his four pro seasons, but it's not the focal point of his game.
Luke Juha (Bridgeport): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
The undrafted Penn State standout completed his rookie season at the pro level entirely in the ECHL with the Missouri Mavericks, compiling 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) in 43 games in 2016-17.
Jon Jutzi (Toronto): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Jutzi spent his rookie season of pro hockey in the ECHL with Orlando following a brief stint with Manitoba in 2015-16 after a four-year collegiate career at Minnesota State.
Dan Kelly (San Jose): 53GP, 1G-6A, +4, 116 PIM
Beginning the season serving a lengthy suspension from the 2016 Calder Cup Playoffs, Kelly remained a physical stay-at-home defenseman for San Jose Barracuda as their alternate captain this past year.
Darren Kramer (Manitoba): 42GP, 3G-1A, -9, 89 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Manitoba.
Kramer doesn't offer much offensively, but plays a hard-nosed physical game and isn't afraid to drop the gloves.
Hubert Labrie (Hershey): 70GP, 3G-8A, +3, 66 PIM
The veteran defenseman was a third pairing guy for the Bears last season on an AHL-only contract. His 281 games of AHL experience could provide some depth to a team in need in 2017-18 if he isn't re-signed by Hershey.
Max Lamarche (Lehigh Valley): 26GP, 4G-9A, +3, 14 PIM
Lamarche was a third pairing depth defender for the Phantoms last season, but didn't look out of place in the AHL. His role was simply limited due to the depth and highly-regarded prospects ahead of him on the depth chart. If he doesn't return to the Phantoms' organization for his fifth year, he could be a reliable third pairing AHL defender elsewhere in 2017-18.
Joey Leach (Hershey): 18GP, 0G-3A, +8, 35 PIM
A fringe ECHL/AHL defensemen throughout his four year career, Leach put up 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 35 ECHL games with South Carolina last season and was an alternate captain for the Stingrays on their way to the Kelly Cup Finals in 2016-17.
Loic Leduc (Bridgeport): 33GP, 1G-2A, -13, 36 PIM
The 6-foot-7 defender stayed in the AHL for the duration of the 2016-17 - a first for him in his three-year pro career - but it wasn't enough to receive a qualifying offer from the Islanders on June 25th.
Guillaume Lepine (Binghamton): 54GP, 1G-2A, -21, 77 PIM
The one-dimensional Lepine doesn't offer much outside of being an enforcer that is aggressive and physical in the dirty areas of the ice, but teams looking for a brute to protect their prospects in the AHL could add Lepine to an AHL contract for the 2017-18 season.
Mike Liambas (Milwaukee): 72GP, 3G-8A, Even, 149 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Anaheim.
The stat line says all you need to know about Liambas. It's acutally his lowest PIM total since turning pro.
Andrew MacWilliam (Albany): 63GP, 0G-5A, 100 PIM, -17
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Rochester.
The hard-hitting physical defenseman has been a minus player the past two seasons and his offensive production has slipped from 2015-16 where he tallied 15 points (one goal, 14 assists) in 72 games with Manitoba.
Daniel Maggio (Toronto): 4GP, 1G-1A, +1, 9 PIM
Maggio was a depth defenseman for the Marlies that spent most of the season in the ECHL with their affiliate in Orlando.
Ben Marshall (Providence): 14GP, 2G-4A, +6, 8 PIM
Marshall floated between the AHL and ECHL in his second pro season following four years at the University of Minnesota. With ECHL Atlanta, put up 22 points (five goals, 17 assists) in 34 games and could be a depth option on the back end.
Nick Mattson (Rockford) - 2GP, 0G-0A, +2, 2 PIM
Mattson has spent his first two seasons primarily in the ECHL following a four-year career at the University of North Dakota.
Dylan McIlrath (Hartford/Springfield/Grand Rapids): 43GP, 1G-7A, -6 ,81 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year extension with Detroit.
McIlrath was traded twice in the same season last year, but the well-traveled physical defenseman was rewarded by winning the Calder Cup with Grand Rapids in June.
Reid McNeill (W-B/Scranton/Chicago): 61GP, 3G-7A, +16, 67 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Syracuse.
The physical stay-at-home defender was traded early on in the 2016-17 in his 5th year with Penguins organization and will be searching for a new home for the upcoming season.
Jacob Middleton (San Jose): 50GP, 1G-8A, +11, 56 PIM
Middleton wasn't too out of place as an AHL rookie in 2016-17 following a four year OHL career.
Brenden Miller (Toronto): 2GP, 1G-0A, Even, 0 PIM
Miller put up good numbers in the ECHL with Orlando to the tune of 15 goals and 16 assists in 55 games, but couldn't crack the AHL lineup outside of the two games in 2016-17.
Kenney Morrison (Stockton): 51GP, 4G-8A, -11, 36 PIM
Patrick Mullen (Rochester): 27GP, 4G-10A, -1, 22 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year contract in SHL with Linkoping HC.
The 31-year-old journeymen began the year in the KHL but wound up joining the Amerks on an AHL pact in February - finishing the year with Rochester. Offensive-minded defenseman can fill a void on the blueline for a team looking to add scoring punch and experienced puck-moving ability from the back end.
John Negrin (Utica): 22GP, 0G-5A, -2, 12 PIM
A depth defender for the Comets this past season while on an AHL contract.
Jared Nightingale (Chicago): 12GP, 0G-1A, +3, 18 PIM
The AHL/ECHL tweener was the captain of the ECHL's Toledo Walleye this past season where he spent most of his time in 2016-17.
Garrett Noonan (Hartford): 26GP, 0G-3A, -3, 24 PIM
Noonan has been a fringe AHL/ECHL player in his three-year pro career to date with much better success while at the ECHL level.
Ryan Obuchowski (Bridgeport): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
The rookie out of Yale University completed his first pro season in the ECHL with Missouri in 2016-17, totaling 16 points (two goals, 14 assists) in 69 games this past season.
Michael Paliotta (Hartford): 52GP, 1G-13A, -1, 20 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies.
Paliotta wasn't able to match his offensive output from a year prior with Lake Erie (now Cleveland Monsters) but how much of it plays into the fact that he was on a putrid WolfPack team remains to be seen.
Adam Pardy (Milwaukee): 31GP, 3G-4A, +6, 20 PIM
The 342-NHL game veteran split last season between Nashville and Milwaukee. If he's willing to take on a mentor role in the AHL, he could definitely carve out a few more years of playing pro hockey.
Stuart Percy (W-B/Scranton): 37GP, 1G-7A, +6, 18 PIM
The former 25th overall pick in 2011 of Toronto was hoping for a fresh start with the Penguins organization but ultimately had trouble staying healthy last season before not being tendered a qualifying offer by Pittsburgh during the restricted free agency deadline on June 25th. Which team will take a chance on him this fall?
Jonathan Racine (St. John's/Syracuse): 55GP, 1G-5A, +3, 78 PIM
Traded from Montreal to Tampa Bay mid-season, Racine was a depth defender that did appear in five postseason games for the Crunch this past spring - adding a goal and an assist during the Crunch's run to the 2017 Calder Cup Finasls
Kevin Raine (Charlotte): 13GP, 0G-0A, -3, 4 PIM
Raine, on an AHL-only contract with Charlotte last season, played primarily in the ECHL with the Florida Everblades in 2016-17 where he compiled 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 40 games to go along with a plus 17 rating.
Brent Regner (Springfield): 28GP, 2G-11A, +8, 8 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Dallas.
The undersized veteran defenseman has been an AHL captain in each of the last three years in two different organizations, and could be a good addition for an AHL club in need of a leader on the back end in 2017-18.
Jaynen Rissling (Milwaukee): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Rissling hasn't been able to crack the AHL lineup in his pro career through three years. He appeared in 5 AHL games in his rookie season, but has been plugging away in the ECHL with Cincinnati and put up 28 points (seven goals, 21 assists) in 66 games last season.
Dennis Robertson (Charlotte): 65GP, 6G-10A, +7, 52 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Carolina.
Robertson wasn't tendered a qualifying offer by Carolina on June 25th, becoming an unrestricted free agent after a respectable 2016-17 campaign - his third full year at the pro level.
Eric Roy (San Jose): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
EDIT: Signed a one-year ECHL contract with Allen.
Roy was an ECHL-only player in 2016-17 while on an AHL contract with San Jose. Near point per game numbers in 40 ECHL games with Allen.
Jeff Schultz (San Diego): 65GP, 0G-15A, +6, 18 PIM
The veteran defender has over 700 games of pro experience, and his 6-foot-6 frame has held up well over the years - appearing in at least 52 AHL games in each of the last four seasons.
Rob Scuderi (Ontario): 15GP, 0G-3A, +3, 4 PIM
Does the 38-year old have another AHL season in him?
David Shields (Utica): 48GP, 0G-10A, -9, 8 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in EBEL with Villacher SV.
Shields was a dependable depth defender for the Comets last season on an AHL contract and could provide depth for the next AHL organization he signs.
Frankie Simonelli (Bakersfield): 6GP, 0G-1A, -5, 4 PIM
EDIT: Signed an ECHL contract with South Carolina.
Primarily an ECHL player in 2016-17, but tore it up with Norfolk amassing 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) in 49 games last season.
Ryan Stanton (San Antonio/Cleveland): 48GP, 2G-10A, +19, 69 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Edmonton.
The seven-year pro has been a dependable defensemen in at least back-to-back years in the AHL as a member of Hershey/Washington two years prior and primarily with the Monsters last season.
Ty Stanton (Toronto): 3GP, 0G-0A, +1, 0 PIM
Stanton's first full pro season after four years in the WHL with Medicine Hat was spent largely in the ECHL with Orlando where he tallied six assists in 26 games.
Tyson Strachan (Rochester): 61GP, 1G-11A, -8, 36 PIM
Strachan has plenty of experience - 404 AHL games and 186 NHL games - under his belt and can provide a veteran/leadership role with an AHL club this fall.
Dustin Stevenson (Texas): 59GP, 2G-4A, +1, 119 PIM
The physical, stay-at-home defenseman can handle his own in the AHL.
Chris Summers (Hartford): 74GP, 4G-8A, -6, 71 PIM
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.
The physical veteran defender was named an alternate captain of the WolfPack last year, but appears headed for the free agent market in search of a new home for his eighth pro season.
Kevin Tansey (Chicago): 19GP, 1G-2A, +3, 21 PIM
In his first full season of pro hockey, Tansey was primarily an ECHL defender with the Missouri Mavericks where he tallied 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 44 games.
Jarred Tinordi (Tucson): 64GP, 1G-10A, -6, 102 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.
Tinordi has been a fringe NHL player in recent years, but can be a solid AHL option for any team wishing to use him in that role.
Dalton Thrower (St. John's): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Thrower appeared in just nine AHL games in his three years in the Montreal Canadiens organization, and unsurprisingly was not tendered a qualifying offer on June 25th.
Nolan Valleau (Rockford): 46GP, 3G-5A, -19, 14 PIM
The Bowling Green State University product has two years of AHL experience under his belt now and appears to be in search of a fresh start for his third.
Scooter Vaughn (Chicago): 60GP, 6G-6A, +6, 31 PIM
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Chicago.
The six-year pro has 250 AHL games of experience and has spent the past two seasons with the Chicago Wolves on AHL contracts.
Mike Weber (Iowa): 56GP, 1G-7A, +6, 92 PIM
The AHL Wild's captain this past season is just one year removed from six straight NHL seasons. Plenty of experience for prospects to lean on for advice.
Michael Webster (W-B/Scranton): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Signed to an AHL deal following four years with the OHL's Barrie Colts, Webster was an ECHL defenseman in his rookie year at the pro level - putting up decent offensive numbers with the Wheeling Nailers to the tune of 29 points (five goals, 24 assists) in 57 games.
Tyson Wilson (Manitoba): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
EDIT: Signed a one-year ECHL contract with Brampton.
Wilson spent his first pro season entirely in the ECHL with Tulsa, putting up a respectable 16 points in 55 games.
William Wrenn (Toronto): 39GP, 3G-6A, +10, 16 PIM
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in EBEL with HC Bolzano.
A depth defenseman for the Marlies last season on an AHL contract.
Oleg Yevenko (Cleveland): 49GP, 0G-6A, +6, 90 PIM
The 6-foot-7 rugged defenseman from Belarus wasn't tendered a qualifying offer by Columbus on June 25th. Perhaps an AHL contract is in his future, and with size and physical play I'm sure he could fit a need somewhere in the league.
Goalies
Sam Brittain (Springfield): 10GP, 4-5-0, 2.42 GAA, .905 SV%, 0 SO
Mainly an ECHL goaltender in 2016-17, Brittain went 20-9-1 in the regular season with the Manchester Monarchs - adding an 11-7 record in the Kelly Cup Playoffs. Could be a solid #3 option for an AHL club in the fall.
Mac Carruth (Rockford): 24GP, 5-11-5, 3.64 GAA, .879 SV%, 0 SO
The Blackhawks' 2010-7th round pick wasn't tendered a qualifying offer, and will be looking for a fresh start elsewhere in free agency this summer.
Mark Dekanich (Lehigh Valley): 1GP, 0-0-0, 9.10 GAA, .839 SV%, 0 SO
The nine-year pro is still as serviceable goaltender for depth between the AHL/ECHL as a number three netminder that can be called up to the AHL in a pinch. His lone AHL game this past season came in relief after just returning from a lengthy injury absence. It went about as well as the numbers posted here suggest.
Ryan Faragher (San Diego): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
An ECHL goaltender the past two seasons while on an NHL contract, Faragher has put up decent numbers despite not getting a real shot in the AHL. 41 wins and five shutouts over the past two seasons in the ECHL with the Utah Grizzlies suggest he's a fringe AHL goalie.
Jack Flinn (Ontario): 5GP, 1-2-1, 3.41 GAA, .874 SV%, 0 S0
A rookie on an AHL deal this past season, Flinn had a hard time getting game action - appearing in just five AHL games and another 13 ECHL games with the Reign's ECHL affiliate in Manchester. Jury is still out on the former Owen Sound and Mississauga product out of the OHL.
Michael Garteig (Utica): 8GP, 0-4-2, 3.01 GAA, .897 SV%, 0 SO
Garteig was a depth goaltender between Utica and ECHL Alaska last season.
Matt Ginn (Providence): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
On an AHL contract each of the past two seasons, Ginn has been a depth goalie for the PBruins with their ECHL affiliate Atlanta Gladiators.
Scott Greenham (Belleville): 3GP, 0-1-0, 7.09 GAA, .765 SV%, 0 SO
After a 15-win AHL season with the BSens in 2014-15, Greenham has been mainly an ECHL goaltender in the Senators' system the last two years - appearing in just nine AHL games in that span.
Jonas Gunnarsson (Milwaukee): 16GP, 3-7-4, 3.29 GAA, .878 SV%, 1 SO
The 25-year-old Swede's first pro season in North America was a struggle, but how much of it was adapting to a new style of game and living life across the Atlantic Ocean for the first time remains to be seen.
Matt Hackett (San Diego): 7GP, 2-3-0, 3.35 GAA, .898 SV%, 1 SO
A shoulder injury in late-November that required surgery ended Hackett's season just as it was beginning. The seven-year pro had a brief NHL stint a few years back, but how the shoulder injury affects Hackett moving forward remains to be seen.
Jake Hildebrand (Rockford): 3GP, 0-1-1, 4.58 GAA, .868 SV%, 0 SO
On an AHL contract following four years at Michigan State University, Hildebrand was an ECHL goalie minus his three appearances for Rockford in his 1st pro season - going 18-21-3 with four shutouts for the ECHL's Indy Fuel this past season.
Michael Houser (Cleveland): 1GP. 0-0-0. 3.00 GAA, .750 SV%, 0 SO
Houser was an ECHL goaltender last season who went 22-14-1 with two shutouts in Cincinnati in 2016-17. Not a bad depth option for a guy two years removed from a 19-win season in AHL San Antonio.
Eric Levine (Rockford): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
A career ECHL goaltender, Levine struggled mightily last season to the tune of 5-20-1 with Rockford's ECHL affiliate Indy Fuel.
Austin Lotz (Tucson): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
On an AHL-only contract with the Roadrunners last season, Lotz never saw AHL ice. In fact, he was nothing more than an ECHL spot starter - appearing in 13 ECHL games in 2016-17.
Jeff Malcolm (Hartford): 5GP, 0-4-1, 4.66 GAA .865 SV%, 0 SO
After a seven-win and two shutout performance in 14 games with Hartford in 2015-16, he never really got a chance in the AHL this past season with Magnus Hellberg and rookie Brandon Halverson controlling the WolfPack nets. Not a bad depth goalie to store in ECHL for when injuries arise.
Parker Milner (Hershey): 5GP, 3-2-0, 2.84 GAA, .913 SV%, 0 SO
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Hershey.
Milner has bounced back and forth between the AHL and ECHL over his four year pro career. With ECHL South Carolina last year, Milner posted a 26-win season - adding 12 more wins in a Kelly Cup Playoffs run that ended with a loss in the finals to the Colorado Eagles.
Jaime Murray (San Jose): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
EDIT: Signed a one-year ECHL contract with Norfolk.
On an AHL contract this past season, Murray was an ECHL goaltender for the Allen Americans for the second straight season. He'll be looking for another AHL deal for the upcoming season.
John Muse (Rochester): 14GP, 3-8-0, 3.08 GAA, .907 SV%, 1 SO
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Lehigh Valley.
The seven-year pro has bounced between the AHL and ECHL throughout his career, and can be a dependable depth addition between the pipes for an AHL club in need in 2017-18.
Jake Paterson (Grand Rapids): No AHL Stats
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Milwaukee.
On an entry level contract, Paterson appeared in just two AHL games in the span of three years with the Detroit Red Wings organization. Last year in the ECHL with Toledo, Paterson went 34-13-1 with seven shutouts. Perhaps a dependable depth option on an AHL deal this fall.
Anthony Peters (Charlotte): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Peters put together a 31-win season in the ECHL with the Florida Everblades this past year, but has appeared in just 8 AHL games in his three-year pro hockey career.
Nick Riopel (Syracuse): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract with Syracuse.
On an AHL-only contract, Riopel played in the ECHL with Kalamazoo last season - going 18-12-1 with one shutout for the Wings in 2016-17.
Kent Simpson (San Antonio): 9GP, 1-4-2, 3.33 GAA, .892 SV%, 0 SO
The five-year pro continues to flip between the AHL & ECHL, serving a role as a depth option in net for AHL clubs and hoping to do so again in 2017-18.
Mackenzie Skapski (Hartford): 13GP, 2-8-0, 4.73 GAA, .856 SV%, 0 SO
A hip injury has really derailed Skapski's pro career after a bright start to his tenure with the New York Rangers organization. Can he get back on track in 2017-18 and stay healthy?
Colin Stevens (Springfield): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Stevens had an up and down second year of pro hockey in the ECHL between Manchester and Tulsa with a combined 10-18-2 record in 33 appearances this past season.
After the jump, the high-prized AHL-level free agents starting with my top 50 forwards, top 40 defensemen and top 20 goaltenders.
High-Prized AHL-Level Free Agents
Player, (former team) - 2016-17 AHL Stats
Top 50 Forwards
EDIT: Signed a one-year, one-way contract with Boston Bruins.
Hands down the #1 AHL-level free agent at any position. Agostino continues to impress, building off of a 57-point season in his sophomore campaign. AHL fans are hoping he signs with their team's NHL affiliate.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Toronto.
The 31-year-old was one of the top forwards in the league last season offensively, and on an AHL-only contract to boot.
EDIT: Signed a contract with New York Rangers.
Arguably the top power forward in the AHL, but don't let that fool you - Schneider adds speed to his game as well and is a dynamic scoring threat at the AHL level.
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract with Buffalo.
At just 24, Griffith has 202 points in 203 career AHL games and has dominated the league. Will he crack the NHL full-time in 2017-18 or continue to absolutely dominate the AHL as a top line and likely top 3 AHL scorer if he plays a full season in the minors.
EDIT: Re-signed a two-year contract with Tampa Bay.
Many thought Conacher was heading back overseas, but he re-signed with Tampa Bay on Wednesday. Interestingly enough, the first year of the two-year deal is a one-way contract that pays him $650,000 regardless of whether he plays in the NHL or AHL. He might be a full-time NHL'er in 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with New York Rangers.
Carey was a point per game player last season in the AHL and could be one of the league's top forwards in 2017-18 if he doesn't graduate to the NHL full-time.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year contract with Detroit.
Street has been an annual point per game player at the AHL level throughout his 355-game career. The defending champs are well on their way to re-building another strong team in 2017-18.
EDIT: Re-signed a two-year/one-way contract with Tampa Bay
A dominant AHL season for Gourde saw him continue to tear it on in the postseason where he tallied 27 points in 22 games. Looks like he's graduated to the NHL in 2017-18 though.
EDIT: Signed a two-year AHL contract with Lehigh Valley.
Three straight 50-plus point seasons in the AHL makes Conner an attractive AHL option for teams looking for consistent scoring.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Minnesota.
One of the AHL's best playmaking centers for years, O'Reilly is a true AHL #1 center and can really do some damage with his vision on the power play.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Philadelphia.
An offensive juggernaut in the AHL, Varone has put up 40 points or more in five of his six AHL seasons. A top line center option at the AHL level.
EDIT: Signed a two-year contract with Montreal.
Traded from Toronto to Tampa Bay leading up to the trade deadline, Froese was a point per game player for the Crunch down the stretch and is an elite AHL-level scorer on the fringe in terms of sticking in the NHL.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Colorado.
The Robin to Agostino's Batman. Andrew is an annual top scorer in the AHL and should continue to do so in 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Florida.
Grenier hasn't had much of an NHL chance with Vancouver, but is a high-end AHL power forward in the minors.
15. T.J. Hensick (Ontario): 67GP, 16G-36A, -14, 18 PIM
The 10-year pro continues to be a dominant offensive player at the AHL level and hasn't shown signs of slowing down yet.
16. Jason Akeson (Binghamton): 57GP, 20G-31A, -23, 22 PIM
Despite starting 2016-17 in the KHL, Akeson joined Binghamton on an AHL deal and put up 51 points as a one-dimensional offensive player with defensive deficiencies.
EDIT: Signed a two-year contract with Buffalo.
A top line AHL forward on almost every team in the league, Porter has been a classic 'tweener' player looking for a more regular NHL opportunity.
EDIT: Signed a two-year contract in KHL with AK Bars Kazan.
Arguably the most dynamic offensive talent in the AHL last season, especially down the stretch. He voiced his displeasure about not getting any games with Washington last season and is looking for a more direct path to the NHL this year.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Vegas.
Split time between NHL and AHL last season, but when in the minors is an elite-level forward that can do it all - skate, score and hit.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with New Jersey.
In back-to-back seasons, the 36-year old has posted 50 or more points. It doesn't appear that he's slowing down.
21. Spencer Abbott (Rockford/San Diego): 69GP, 18G-31A, -9, 16 PIM
Abbott is a consistent scorer at the AHL level and can continue to do so if he stays in North America.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Calgary
Hrivik is a game-changer at the AHL level and was a fringe NHL'er last season - appearing in 16 NHL games with the Rangers.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year contract with Minnesota.
Even on a lowly Iowa team, Cannone still put together a respectable season in the AHL after several 30 and 40-point seasons in previous years. Minnesota was smart in bringing him back for another year.
EDIT: Re-signed a two-year deal with Ottawa
The feisty two-way forward is fun to watch at the AHL level and is knocking on the NHL's doorstep.
25. Casey Bailey (Binghamton/Belleville): 62GP, 21G-16A, -15, 20 PIM
The Penn State product performed well on a struggling BSens squad in 2016-17, hitting 20 goals and being an AHL All-Star all in one season. Bit of a surprise that Ottawa moved on after only a seven-game NHL stint.
EDIT: Signed a two-way contract with Minnesota.
One of the biggest surprises in terms of RFA's not being tendered a qualifying offer. Rau is undersized, but competes in all three zones of the ice. Could be a big addition to another aHL quad in 2017-18 if he's not in Florida's future plans.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, one-way contract with Anaheim.
Spending much of the year in the NHL, Grant was claimed off waivers by Nashville but later re-claimed and assigned to AHL Rochester where he is a dominant goal-scorer. If he's an AHL player in 2017-18 he could be a legitimate goal per game type player. Not much left for him to prove in the minors.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Edmonton.
Looking at his stats, you're probably questioning why he's a ranked AHL free agent forward. The 32nd overall pick in 2011 saw his production drop from 31 goals down to 17 over his first three years in the Blues' organization, and it's clear after not being tendered a qualifying offer that Rattie needs a fresh start. Could be a low risk/high reward signing from an AHL perspective.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Utica.
On an AHL contract in 2016-17, Archibald broke out offensively more than doubling his goal totals from the year before - becoming a dominant power forward at the AHL level
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Boston.
Complimenting PBruins' scorers well, Szwarz nearly doubled his offensive production from a year prior with a lowly Springfield team.
31. Christian Thomas (Hershey): 65GP, 24G-25A, Even, 6 PIM
A streaky scorer that goes missing when not contributing offensively. Went cold in the postseason, with one goal and no assists.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Smith had no problem creating offense in the AHL last season.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Edmonton
Callahan hasn't got much of an opportunity in the NHL with the Red Wings organization, but winning the Calder Cup this past season has to be at least a small consolation prize.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Washington.
Simpson continues to grow his game, from two years in the ECHL to now two very respectable AHL seasons.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Vegas.
Three straight 40-point seasons in his pro career makes Tynan an intriguing option at the AHL level.
EDIT: Signed a one-year entry-level contract with Florida.
His first full season in the AHL was a resounding success, and he'll look to continue to build on his game in 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Philadelphia.
Labeled a Swiss army knife by the Phantoms' staff last season, Knight can play all three forward positions and play on penalty kill, power play, late game situations, etc. Solid AHL option that can play up and down the lineup.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year, two-way contract with Florida.
Bailsy put up good numbers on a struggling Springfield team last season. Perhaps on a better team he could be a 50-point plus AHL forward.
EDIT: Signed a two-year contract with Buffalo.
The Harvard standout put together a solid rookie season in the AHL last year.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Arizona.
Sislo didn't help his stock being stuck in San Antonio last season, but he's a gifted scoring threat at the AHL level.
41. Antoine Laganiere (San Diego): 64GP, 21G-16A, -1, 30 PIM
In his fourth AHL season out of Yale University, Laganiere continues to improve his offensive production with every passing season.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with New Jersey.
The speedy winger can still cause problems for opposing defenders in the AHL.
EDIT: Signed a two-year AHL contract with Cleveland.
Camper was a near point-per-game player in Albany last season and is a consistent scoring threat at the AHL level.
44. Adam Payerl (Milwaukee): 76GP, 16G-22A, -2, 123 PIM
Payerl has turned his pro career around after heading to the Western Conference. The physical, two-way forward has had strong seasons in back-to-back years with the Admirals.
EDIT: Signed in the KHL with Kunlun Red Star.
Frattin is now two years removed from full-time NHL action but still scores consistently in the AHL.
EDIT: Re-signed an AHL contract with Ontario.
The AHL veteran played well with the Reign in 2016-17 after a slow year offensively previously in Iowa.
EDIT: Signed a two-year AHL contract with Bakersfield.
Currie enjoyed a breakout year in his second AHL season.
EDIT: Re-signed a two-year contract with Tampa Bay
Similar to Cory Conacher, Dumont re-signed a two-year contract on Wednesday with Tampa Bay that pays him a one-way deal in 2017-18 and a two-way deal in year two of the deal. The role player played a checking-style bottom six type of game to perfection and will be battling for an NHL job in training camp this fall.
EDIT: Re-signed a two-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.
The big-bodied two-way forward was having a good year with the AHL until a hit from behind caused a shoulder injury and slowed him up down the stretch and in the postseason.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Ottawa.
A noticeable jump in offensive production for Sexton with the Devils. Might be worth pursuing for AHL teams in search of some secondary scoring help.
Top 40 Defensemen
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Montreal.
The 2017 Eddie Shore Award winner given to the AHL's top defenseman led the Crunch to the Calder Cup Finals with 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 22 postseason games. Elite offensive defenseman at the AHL level, and can quarterback the power play with the best of them.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, one-way contract with Colorado.
It's debatable whether Warsofsky will be able to impact an AHL team next fall because he might land in the NHL full-time in 2017-18, but if not he'll be one of the best defensemen in the entire AHL.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Minnesota.
Grant has been an elite offensive defenseman in the AHL for quite some time, with 33 or more points in each of his last four AHL seasons. His 17 goals were 2nd in the AHL among defensemen behind only Lehigh Valley's T.J. Brennan. His 49 points in were 5th best among defensemen. He's the leading scorer among blue liners entering the 'AHL-level' free agent market.
EDIT: Signed a two-way deal with Tampa Bay.
McBain is a long-time NHL defenseman that has no problem scoring at the AHL level and could be a game-changer if he doesn't get back into the NHL in the fall.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Toronto.
The Los Angeles Kings' AHL captain the past three years, LoVerde is an experienced two-way defender that has a Calder Cup Championship on his resume (2015 - Manchester) and back-to-back 32-point plus seasons in the AHL. Nine or more goals in three straight years too.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.
Despite being on a struggling Moose team this past year, Manitoba's alternate captain had no problem putting up points and doubling his offensive production from the previous season.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Chicago.
Oesterle can bring some offensive firepower from the back end as has improved in each of his first three years in the pro hockey scene.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Tampa Bay.
After escaping Hartford in a trade to the Buffalo Sabres' affiliate Rochester, Bodie put up nine points in his final 17 games of the season. Bodie has had three straight 30-plus point seasons as a pro with increasing totals each year (32, 36 and 39).
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Manitoba.
Schilling is an interesting case as a pending free agent as an undrafted Miami University (Ohio) product that was once highly regarded by the Washington Capitals. He's improved his offensive production and is a solid offensive-defenseman at the AHL level.
10. Colby Robak (Utica): 70GP, 3G-30A, +11, 60 PIM
Added to a standard player contract in November after a PTO with Stockton to begin the year, Robak continues to prove he's a capable defender at the AHL level and can add offense from the back end when needed.
11. Michael Kostka (Binghamton/Stockton): 61GP, 3G-21A, -24, 36 PIM
Stuck on a poor defensive team in Binghamton, Kostka was moved to Stockton where he went on to finish the year with 12 points in 15 games as a member of the Heat.
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in DEL with Nurenburg Ice Tigers.
Gilbert was acquired by Washington for a conditional draft pick, and really bolstered Hershey's blueline down the stretch and into the postseason. The veteran of 655 NHL games of experience could be a good mentor to younger offensively-minded defensemen in the AHL this fall if that's a role he's willing to accept. At 34 years old, his NHL days might be behind him at this point.
EDIT: Re-signed a two-year/two-way contract with St. Louis.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Carolina.
A career-low 23 points and just one goal for Kitchon this past season in his fourth year at the pro level, but there's obvious offensive upside with his game. A 48-point rookie season and a 41-point in 68-game season in 2015-16 makes it seem he can flourish in the right situation.
15. Nathan Paetsch (Grand Rapids): 73GP, 1G-17A, +15, 30 PIM
Despite being on an AHL-only contract, Paetsch was named captain of the Griffins last season and led them to a Calder Cup championship in June, also tallying seven points in 19 playoff games including a goal in the finals.
16. Nick Ebert (Texas): 68GP, 9G-16A, -2, 40 PIM
The three-year pro doubled his offensive production as a member of the Stars last season.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Arizona.
The Marlies' captain the past two seasons is a great option for an NHL team looking to stockpile their AHL affiliate with dependable two-way defensemen.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Columbus.
A top pairing AHL defenseman, Gaunce spent some time in Pittsburgh in 2016-17 more than doubling his NHL game totals and scoring his first NHL goal.
19. Chris Rumble (Binghamton): 56GP, 6G-21A, -7, 8 PIM
One of the lone bright spots for the BSens last season, Rumble's first AHL season (2nd year of pro hockey) was a large success and he'll be looking to build upon that wherever he plays in 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Arizona.
A bit surprising that Montreal did not tender Hanley a qualifying offer after what appeared to be a breakout season in 2016-17.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Ottawa.
Producing offense amounting almost to the same as his previous year in Hershey (with 22 less games played) and rounding out his game earned him his first NHL games of his seven-year pro career to date. He's looking to take the next step, and earn more NHL playing time in his eighth season at the pro level.
EDIT: Signed a two-year AHL contract with Utica.
The veteran defenseman brings experience and overall dependability at the AHL level on defense, and will be looking to add to his 544 AHL games played this fall.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with New York Islanders.
The offensively-minded defenseman proved 2015-16 was no fluke, and he's a solid option on a bottom pairing for an AHL club in need of depth on the blueline. Lafranchise was on an AHL-only contract with Bridgeport this past season and might be looking for a larger role elsewhere.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Edmonton.
Acquired by Montreal in exchange for Philip Samuelsson in late February, Lowe finished the season with St. John's but wasn't qualified by the Canadiens on June 25th.
25. Sena Acolatse (Springfield): 68GP, 6G-17A, -17, 147 PIM
An aggressive, physical defenseman that has a good shot and can put up some offense from the back end while also providing a bruiser-type presence for a team looking for some added toughness and someone tough to play against in general.
26.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year/two-way contract with Carolina
Samuelsson joined Charlotte mid-season where his father Ulf was the Checkers' head coach, and Philip played well to close out the season with 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 25 games.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, one-way contract with Anaheim.
The rugged defender split time between the NHL and AHL in the Penguins organization before being traded to Toronto during the trade deadline.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year, two-way contract with Florida.
Moved during the trade deadline, Scarlett scored in his first game with Springfield after the trade but doesn't appear to be a part of the Florida Panthers' plan moving forward.
29. Joe Pendenza (Cleveland): 62GP, 9G-12A, -6, 6 PIM
Primarily a fringe AHL/ECHL player in his three year pro career, Pendenza seemingly broke out int 2016-17 with nine goals and 12 assists with the Monsters.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Manitoba.
The 6-foot-3 Colorado College product didn't look too out of place as a rookie in AHL action in 2015-16 and built on that in his second AHL season.
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract with Edmonton.
The French-born defender split his first pro season in North America between the NHL and AHL, though he wasn't tendered a qualifying offer from New Jersey on June 25th's restricted free agent deadline.
32. Patrick McNally (San Jose): 59GP, 3G-12A, +5, 30 PIM
McNally finished his entry level contract and wasn't qualified by the Sharks on June 25th, but there was some growth to the former Harvard standout's game in 2016-17. Might be worth an AHL deal for depth in 2017-18.
33. Jon Landry (Bridgeport): 53GP, 4G-14A, +5, 28 PIM
The 11-year pro has 322 AHL games of experience and could provide some depth/leadership to a young AHL blueline if not re-signed by Bridgeport
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with New Jersey.
The veteran stay-at-home defender can be a mentor to prospects if he returns for another AHL season in 2016-17 after playing in 187 NHL games prior to his stint with Manitoba this past season.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.
Injury-plagued year for Trotman in 2016-17, but if he can stay healthy he's been a fringe NHL/AHL player in prior seasons. Might be worth taking a flyer on.
36. David Musil (Bakersfield/Tucson): 60GP, 4G-14A, +1, 40 PIM
In the Oilers organization the past four years, Musil looks to be moving on in free agency.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Vegas.
The veteran defenseman wasn't tendered a qualifying offer by Boston on June 25th, and will look to bring his 36 AHL Playoffs games of experience to his next club. A right-handed shooting defenseman, his offensive production dipped after what appeared to be a turning point for him in 2015-16 in a year where he tallied seven goals.
38. Maxime Fortunus (Iowa): 64GP, 6G-11A, -5, 18 PIM
The veteran offensive defenseman is still chugging along with 828 AHL games played in his career.
39. Nate Guenin (San Diego): 56GP, 2G-10A, +4, 28 PIM
The 34-year-old veteran took on a leadership role with Anaheim's AHL affiliate this past season.
40. James Wisniewski (Chicago): 21GP, 4G-7A, +10, 30 PIM
Yes, that James Wisniewski. Starting the year in the KHL, Wisniewski finished the 2016-17 season on an AHL deal with the Wolves. Is he willing to accept another AHL contract in 2017-18, or will he be heading back overseas if the NHL isn't a possibility?
Top 20 Goaltenders
EDIT: Re-signed a two-year deal with Washington.
Copley's return to Hershey at the trade deadline last spring and Hershey's storming back up the Atlantic Division standings to qualify for the postseason was no coincidence. It's possible Copley's AHL days are done, but if they aren't then someone is getting one of the top goalies in the AHL for 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.
On an AHL-only contract and a backup to Tristan Jarry, DeSmith was one of the top goaltenders in the league this past season with the AHL Penguins. Casey will be getting an NHL contract this summer, and the AHL affiliate of that club will get a solid AHL #1 starter.
EDIT: Signed a one-year deal in KHL with Dinamo Minsk.
Enroth is eyeing an NHL backup spot as an organizational #2 goaltender, but if he signs with a team to become a #3 that AHL affiliate is going to reap the rewards of an elite AHL-level goaltender. Has 153 NHL games of experience with Buffalo, Dallas, Los Angeles and Toronto.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Buffalo.
After a strong start in Syracuse in 2016-17, Wilcox found himself traded to a lowly Springfield team that he is likely happy he won't be returning to in the fall. With a good team in front of him, Wilcox has the potential to be an AHL All-Star in net in 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Dallas.
McKenna went from being on a lowly Springfield team to leading Syracuse to the Calder Cup Finals. The veteran can be a game-changer at the AHL level. If he lands with a team that plays solid defensively he'll likely be an AHL All-Star in 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Tampa Bay.
Leighton was sharing his net in Charlotte last season a lot more than he was the previous two years he spent in Rockford where he played in 46 and 42 games for the IceHogs. The veteran journeyman goaltender can mentor a top goalie prospect and still stop the puck consistently at the AHL level.
Danis was a veteran presence in St. John's mentoring young prospects Charlie Lindgren and Zachary Fucale last season on an AHL contract. He'll bring 359 AHL games of experience wherever he lands next, assuming the 36-year-old gives it another go in 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with San Jose.
Bibeau did not receive a qualifying offer from the Maple Leafs, making him a pending unrestricted free agent. He was the odd man out with Garret Sparks and young goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo forcing a numbers game to make Toronto opt out of carrying three goalies in their farm system. Someone is going to cash in on Bibeau and get a solid AHL goaltender.
EDIT: Signed in KHL with Dinamo Riga.
Split between Tucson and Texas in the AHL this past season, Peters overcame playing on some poor defensive teams and managed 18 wins last season despite sub-par statistics. In Hershey previously, Peters went 17-8 while enjoying a talented defense in front of him while a member of the Bears in 2015-16.
10. Mantas Armalis (San Jose): 24GP, 12-5-4, 3.06 GAA, .885 SV%, 2 SO
The 24-year-old Lithuanian goaltender had played pro hockey overseas in Sweden before his first taste of North American pro hockey in 2016-17. The record isn't bad, but might have been inflated due to being on a strong San Jose team. Wasn't tendered a qualifying offer.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way deal with Edmonton.
The beneficiary of backstopping a potent offensive juggernaut, the veteran Pasquale proved he can still hold his own in the AHL.
12. Cal Heeter (Grand Rapids): 12 GP, 10-2-0, 2.07 GAA, .933 SV%, 1 SO
Heeter found himself in a good situation with Calder Cup Champion Grand Rapids this past season, filling in ably in January and February when the team's goaltending depth was tested. Could be a viable option for an experienced AHL backup in 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Colorado.
After a 20-win season in Utica, Cannata struggled in Hershey before losing the Bears' starting job to rookie Vitek Vanecek. Cannata was later traded to Colorado after Washington acquired Pheonix Copley to strengthen the Bears' goalie tandem at the trade deadline.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Carolina.
A bit overshadowed by being on some bad teams the past two years, Smith can really be an under-the-radar kind of addition for an AHL club looking for a veteran to pair with a younger prospect in net. Smith had at least 16 wins in each of the last six seasons prior to last year's down year with lowly San Antonio.
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in the KHL with CSKA Moskva.
Johansson's first season in North America might've been overshadowed by being on a lowly Rockford team in 2016-17. Johansson was a dominant goalie for Frolunda HC in Sweden in 2015-16 with seven shutouts and a 27-6 record in 37 appearances in the SHL prior to coming to North America last season. Might be worth taking a chance on.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Nashville.
Coming into the Senators' AHL affiliate as a highly-touted goalie prospect, two inconsistent seasons with the BSens saw O'Connor not given a qualifying offer on Monday. How much can the 6-foot-6 goalie's struggles be attributed to being stuck on a bad defensive team his first two years at the pro level? Change of scenery could turn things around for him.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Charlotte.
Relegated to ECHL duty in 2016-17 due to playing behind Anthony Stolarz and Alex Lyon, Ouellette could be an AHL regular if he decides to leave the Phantoms' organization.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Vegas.
A bit of a regression from a 19-win season a year ago for Legace, but the Stars allowed more goals than every team in the AHL not named Binghamton or Hartford last season - surrendering 265 goals in 76 games in 2016-17. Perhaps a change of scenery will allow Legace a chance to regain some confidence.
19. Stephon Williams (Bridgeport): 24GP, 6-13-1, 3.08 GAA, .891 SV%, 1 SO
Call it a sophomore slump for Williams after a 15-win in 2015-16. Losing his first four starts of 2016-17, Williams never got it together this past season and Eamon McAdam emerged to overtake him on the depth chart. Not tendered a qualifying offer by the Islanders Monday, a fresh start elsewhere might be good for the 24-year-old.
20. Daniel Altshuller (Charlotte): 15GP, 7-5-0, 2.88 GAA, .907 SV%, 0 SO
With the veteran Michael Leighton and incoming rookie Alex Nedeljkovic, Altshuller was limited to just 15 AHL games this past season. A fringe AHL/ECHL goalie, Altshuller will be looking for a fresh start with a new team this fall likely on an AHL-only contract.
Forwards
Scott Allen (Bakersfield): 57GP, 8G-11A, -8, 26 PIM
Allen's 2nd pro season after the University of Alaksa-Anchorage was his first taste of the AHL and he made the most of it - sticking with Bakersfield for the entire season.
EDIT: Signed a one-year deal in EBEL with HC Bolzano.
The hard-nosed center has captained in the AHL the last five years but maintained his norms in his first year out west.
Guillaume Asselin (St. John's): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Added on an AHL contract, Asselin played at the University of Quebec-Trois-Rivieres in 2016-17 before appearing in a handful of games for the IceCaps' ECHL affilaite in Brampton.
Graham Black (Springfield): 33GP, 4G-4A, +5, 16 PIM
Black was buried on a struggling AHL squad last season, and has yet to really show the offensive upside he did when he was in the WHL with Swift Current through three years at the pro level.
Mike Borkowski (Grand Rapids): 51GP, 3G-2A, +1, 2 PIM
A depth player in his first full season of pro hockey after a four-year collegiate career at Colgate University.
Troy Bourke (San Antonio): 74GP, 9G-15A, -7, 20 PIM
Back in the AHL for a full season, Bourke made the most of it on a struggling San Antonio team in 2016-17.
Ryan Bourque (Hershey): 53GP, 4G-10A, -4, 16 PIM
An AHL bottom-six type that took an AHL deal with the Bears last season to play with his brother Chris. Will the Bears bring him back on a similar deal in 2017-18?
EDIT: Signed an ECHL contract with Idaho.
Brassart was an ECHL forward in 2016-17 and not tendered a qualifying offer by Minnesota.
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in DEL with Iserlohn.
The feisty forward continues to play a solid two-way game in the AHL, and took on a leadership role with Hartford last season as an alternate captain.
Rihards Bukarts (Springfield): 14GO, 0G-3A, -1, 4 PIM
The Latvian born forward's first pro season in North America was certainly a learning experience. He spent most of the year in the ECHL with Manchester where he was near a point-per-game player.
EDIT: Re-signed an AHL contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
The fourth line grinder got an extended AHL look with the Pens this season and became more reliable with each passing game.
Tony Cameranesi (Toronto): 31GP, 4G-3A, +7, 8 PIM
A depth player passing between AHL Toronto and ECHL Orlando last season.
Colin Campbell (Grand Rapids): 57GP, 9G-11A, -2, 35 PIM
Campbell has spent all three years of his pro career with Grand Rapids as a solid two-way player out of Lake Superior State University.
Jordan Caron (Chicago): 57GP, 5G-20A, +3, 47 PIM
Caron wasn't tendered a qualifying offer and could help bolster an AHL roster's depth up front.
Ryan Carter (Iowa): 18GP, 1G-2A, Even, 25 PIM
Carter was back in the AHL for the first time since 2007-08 this past season, appearing in a handful of games in Iowa.
Daniel Catenacci (Rochester/Hartford): 69GP, 9G-13A, -24, 70 PIM
Catenacci was moved from Buffalo to New York last season in an AHL-level trade. He wasn't tendered a qualifying offer from the Rangers organization this summer.
Daniel Ciampini (Ontario): 23GP, 1G-4A, +4, 12 PIM
A fringe AHL/ECHL forward last season in Ontario.
Emerson Clark (Chicago/Utica): 12GP, 2G-2A, Even, 0 PIM
Clark was mainly an ECHL forward this past season.
Marc-Andre Cliche (Toronto): 16GP, 1G-2A, -1, 6 PIM
A rather uneventful 2016-17 season for Cliche, who has to be hoping for more ice time with his next team.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Toronto.
The longtime rugged forward still plays the game with an edge and wreaks havoc on the opposition in the physicality department. He's been the alternate captain for the Marlies the past two seasons.
Shane Conacher (Toronto): 3GP, 0G-0A, +1, 0 PIM
Cory Conacher's younger brother was an ECHL forward for Orlando in 2016-17 while in his first full season at the pro level.
Connor Crisp (St. John's): 7GP, 0G-0A, Even, 4 PIM
Primarily an ECHL forward, Crisp's entry level contract expired and he wasn't retained by Montreal.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Hartford.
Beginning the year in the ECHL, DeSalvo turned in a solid 2nd pro season in the AHL with Manitoba in 2016-17.
Jaedon Descheneau (Bakersfield): 38GP, 6G-9A, -8, 14 PIM
Jaedon's rookie season was spent split between the AHL and ECHL.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Toronto.
In just his second pro season, Dupuy was an alternate captain for the Amerks last season.
Patrick Dwyer (Charlotte): 58GP, 14G-12A, +4, 20 PIM
The 12-year pro returned to the Hurricanes organization on an AHL deal in 2016-17 after a year in Sweden with MODO Hockey. Comes with over 700 pro games of experience on his hockey resume.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Detroit.
After back-to-back 30-point AHL seasons, Elson hit a roadblock in San Antonio last season.
Bobby Farnham (St. John's): 71GP, 11G-17A, +10, 137 PIM
The speedy, feisty Farnham is a nuisance for his opponents but can also chip in a little offensively when needed. A team-first guy that would be good to have in any AHL locker room. Never quits or backs down.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Edmonton.
A concussion in 2015-16 and a major knee surgery in 2016-17 has seen Ferlin appear in just 25 games in the last two years.
Mike Ferrantino (Charlotte): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Ferrantino was an ECHL player on an AHL contract last season, though he put up good numbers with the Florida Everblades in 2016-17 in his first full season of pro hockey following a four-year collegiate career with Michigan State.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Minnesota.
Ferraro had success in limited action in 2016-17 before tearing his ACL. He says he has healed and is fully ready to go in 2017-18.
Brett Findlay (Toronto): 34GP, 10G-14A, +6, 8 PIM
Splitting time between the AHL and ECHL for the third straight year, Findlay has the offensive ability to score at the AHL level and has show it in glimpses the last two years.
Justin Fontaine (Hartford/Bakersfield): 65GP, 11G-30A, +1, 26 PIM
Fontaine had much better results once being moved from Hartford and onto Bakersfield, where he finished the year with 11 points in 15 games.
Stefan Fournier (Tucson/Syracuse): 32GP, 2G-2A, -1, 97 PIM
Fournier was traded mid-season from Arizona to Tampa Bay and played a handful of games for the Crunch down the stretch as a depth player.
Brett Gallant (Cleveland): 50GP, 3G-2A, -7, 128 PIM
The veteran enforcer continues to police the ice, and will be looking to take his toughness to likely a new team in 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Calgary.
The physical fourth line forward split time between the NHL and AHL last season, playing his usual hard-nosed style of game.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Hershey.
Missed almost the entire season due to injury. Very small, but very speedy winger.
Sahir Gill (W-B/Scranton): 44GP, 6G-12A, +6, 12 PIM
Injuries limited Gill to just 44 games when he looked poised for a breakout season in 2016-17. Perhaps, if he stays healthy, the breakout year will be in 2017-18.
Boyd Gordon (Lehigh Valley): 6GP, 0G-0A, -6, 21 PIM
A knee injury shortly after his arrival to the AHL from the Flyers caused him to miss the rest of the 2016-17 season. Bottom-six penalty killing specialist.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Toronto.
Finishing up the end of a bad contract, it'll be interesting to see if Greening gets another NHL contract and a shot at the top league or if he'll have to settle for an AHL deal in 2017-18.
EDIT: Retired from pro hockey, now assistant coach with WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds.
Hagel has been a depth player in the AHL the past several years including the last three with Charlotte.
Marc Hagel (Iowa/Binghamton): 53GP, 2G-8A, -11, 39 PIM
Not much more than a depth forward in the AHL last season, moved in a mid-season trade to Binghamton.
Ryan Haggerty (W-B/Scranton): 58GP, 11G-12A, +8, 46 PIM
Haggerty put together a respectable season as a bottom-six forward for the Pens last season on an AHL contract.
Mike Halmo (Syracuse): 69GP, 16G-12A, -7, 100 PIM
Halmo was a nice secondary scoring option in Syracuse this past season despite less production than previous year in Bridgeport where he was more heavily leaned on.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Providence.
A 25-30 point guy over the last two seasons as a pro, Hargrove's entry level contract expired and he wasn't qualified by Boston earlier this week.
Shane Harper (Springfield/Albany): 58GP, 8G-14A, -9, 8 PIM
A bit of a down year for Harper playing most of the season on lowly Springfield before a late-season trade to Albany. In the right situation, he could get back closer to his 32-goal season in Chicago from 2014-15.
Mitchell Heard (Charlotte): 36GP, 0G-4A, -5, 53 PIM
Heard had much better success in the ECHL with Florida this past season (13 points in 11 games) than while in the AHL with Charlotte. A career fringe minor leaguer.
Samuel Henley (San Antonio): 55GP, 3G-6A, -9, 39 PIM
Henley is still finding his way in the pro game, but the one-game taste of the NHL last season had to be a rewarding moment for him after a tough year with San Antonio.
Sam Herr (Ontario): 61GP, 8G-6A, +3, 30 PIM
Herr's first pro season following college hockey at Notre Dame went over pretty well.
Christian Hilbrich (W-B/Scranton): 6GP, 0G-0A, Even, 0 PIM
The 6-foot-7 forward put up 45 points in 65 ECHL games with Wheeling last season.
Ben Holmstrom (Bridgeport): 76GP, 7G-9A,-11, 91 PIM
The Sound Tigers' captain has played in all of his team's games in each of the last two-years and plays a hard-nosed, two-way game.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Bridgeport.
The younger Holmstrom's first full season in the AHL came this past season after being primarily an ECHL player his first two years as a pro.
Quinton Howden (Manitoba): 58GP, 13G-11A, -1, 10 PIM
The former 1st round pick of the Florida Panthers wasn't offered a qualifying offer from Winnipeg earlier this week.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Lehigh Valley.
A 2016-17 season to forget for Hulak, who had back to back 40-point seasons in his first two years in the league.
Kellen Jones (Bridgeport): 58GP, 6G-9A, -1, 48 PIM
Kellen's twin-brother Connor received a qualifying offer from the Islanders on June 25th. Kellen was on an AHL-only contract and is a pending free agent.
EDIT: Signed a three-year deal in KHL with SKA St. Petersburg.
After spending his first pro season in North America entirely in the NHL, Kalinin was moved to Toronto this past season and finished the year on the Maple Leafs' AHL affiliate.
EDIT: Signed a one-year ECHL contract with Florida.
A fringe ECHL/AHL player in 2016-17 that spent more time in the ECHL with Elmira.
Tim Kennedy (Rochester): 47GP, 4G-25A, Even, 28 PIM
The veteran forward returned to North America after two years overseas and was a dependable AHL player in 2016-17 on an AHL contract.
Levko Koper (Charlotte): 56GP, 7G-11A, +2, 12 PIM
Despite being 26, Koper played in his first full season of pro hockey in 2016-17 following five years with Spokane in the WHL and another five years at the University of Alberta.
Scott Kosmachuk (Manitoba): 58GP, 11G-17A, -3, 47 PIM
Kosmachuk finished his entry level contract and wasn't rendered a qualifying offer from Winnipeg.
EDIT: Signed an AHL contract with Rochester.
Injuries limited Krause to split time between AHL and ECHL last season.
EDIT: Signed a one-year deal in KHL with Dinamo Riga.
Kristo was traded twice in the same season, and is looking for a new AHL opportunity in 2017-18 with what will be his fourth team in one calendar year.
Alex Krushelynski (Binghamton): 43GP, 3G-4Am -9, 20 PIM
Only one year removed from a 60-point ECHL season, Krushelynski spent most of 2016-17 in the AHL and is continuing to grow his game.
Cody Kunyk (Utica): 61GP, 15G-22A, -6, 16 PIM
Returning to North America after a year in Denmark, Kunyk got right back to where he was two years ago in the AHL - playing a reliable two-way game with some scoring touch.
John Kurtz (Syracuse): 17GP, 5G-1A, +1, 31 PIM
Kurtz was a AHL/ECHL tweener in 2016-17 and has tamed his over-physical tendencies that saw him over 100 penalty minutes in four of the five years he was an AHL mainstay.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Nashville.
The rugged forward followed up a 20-goal season with just one tally in 2016-17. A down year for Labrie.
Brooks Laich (Toronto): 27GP, 1G-8A, +3, 12 PIM
Similar to Colin Greening, it'll be interesting to see what the market for Laich is this offseason as a former NHL player forced into the minors because of a bad contract.
Matthew Lane (Rochester): 15GP, 0G-2A, -9, 2 PIM
Lane was mostly an ECHL player and an AHL fill-in in 2016-17.
Jeremy Langlois (Rockford): 66GP, 8G-6A, -4, 13 PIM
A down year production-wise from Langlois in his fourth season of pro hockey.
Pierre-Luc Leblond (Syracuse): 38GP, 1G-4A, -14, 128 PIM
The enforcer picked his spots when he was in the lineup last season. His role is a dying breed in pro hockey.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Arizona.
The feisty forward switched teams in a mid-season trade, finishing the year with Rockford and continuing his abrasive style on the ice.
Ty Loney (Albany/Chicago): 24GP, 4G-6A,+6, 4 PIM
The big-bodied forward is still trying to find his game in the AHL and has had some ECHL time mixed in so far in his two-year pro career.
Joel Lowry (Ontario): 40GP, 1G-7A, +7, 64 PIM
A depth forward for the Reign in 2016-17.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Syracuse for 2017-18
Lynch really developed late in the season into a strong penalty killing two-way forward that is perfect for Syracuse's bottom-six moving forward.
Zac Lynch (Springfield): 21GP, 3G-1A, Even, 0 PIM
A fringe AHL/ECHL player in 2016-17 that was a point per game player with Manchester in 34 ECHL games in his first season of pro hockey.
Stephen MacAulay (Springfield): 39GP, 2G-4A, +2, 6 PIM
A depth AHL forward for the Thunderbirds last season with limited success.
Mark MacMillan (St. John's): 58GP, 6G-7A, -6, 12 PIM
Primarily a depth player for the IceCaps last season and not tendered a qualifying offer by Montreal earlier this week.
EDIT: Signed a two-year contract with Edmonton.
The two-way forward was moved at the deadline, finishing the year with Chicago as a depth forward.
Jan Mandat (Albany): 52GP, 6G-8A, +6, 25 PIM
Mandat's first pro season came with its lumps, but the first year is a learning experience for incoming rookies so it went as expected.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Texas.
Mangene has played both forward and defense in his time with AHL Texas and has become a full-time player at this level.
Mason Marchment (Toronto): 9GP, 1G-0A, -2, 6 PIM
Marchment was mainly an ECHL player in his rookie pro season with the Marlies organization on an AHL-only contract.
Dylan Margonari (Hershey): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
An ECHL forward in 2016-17 with South Carolina, putting up 17 points in 32 games.
Colin Markison (Bridgeport): 28GP, 2G-4A, -1, 8 PIM
A depth forward for the Sound Tigers in each of the last two years following a four-year career at the University of Vermont.
Brandon Mashinter (Rockford): 61GP, 15G-15A, -20, 70 PIM
The nearly 500-game AHL veteran continue to chug along in the minors after half a season in the NHL in 2015-16.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Vegas.
Matteau wasn't qualified by Montreal, and is a solid two-way forward at the AHL level.
Chris McCarthy (Lehigh Valley): 17GP, 1G-2A, +7, 4 PIM
Mainly an AHL call up option last season, McCarthy put up 47 points in 43 ECHL games with the Reading Royals in 2016-17.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
The local product re-signed another AHL deal for the 2017-18 season and has been growing his game and becoming a more consistent player at this level. Scored his first career AHL goal last season.
Milan Michalek (Toronto): 16GP, 2G-3A, -1, 20 PIM
Does the 747 NHL game career of Michalek make it to 748 or are his NHL days behind him?
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Hershey.
The career AHL'er was given a gift by Washington at the end of the season, making his NHL debut. Otherwise, he's a dime-a-dozen AHL grinder that gets under his opponents' skin. The Bears' captain the past two years.
EDIT: Signed in the EBEL with HC Bolzano.
Monardo was mainly an AHL fill in last season with the Bears, and opted to take his talents overseas for the 2017-18 season.
Peter Mueller (Providence): 56GP, 13G-12A, -5, 20 PIM
After three years overseas, Mueller returned to North America on an AHL deal and had limited success with the PBruins last season.
Daniel Muzito-Bagenda (Rochester): 61GP, 9G-6A, -6, 45 PIM
The Swedish-born forward's first AHL season went about as expected for a guy making the jump to North American pro hockey.
Mark Naclerio (Providence): 10GP, 1G-1A, -3, 2 PIM
An ECHL forward with Atlanta last season, totaling 33 points in 40 games.
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in DEL with Fischtown.
Nehring wasn't the same player he was in a 48-point season with Hartford in 2015-16.
Andrej Nestrasil (Charlotte): 39GP, 5G-9A, +2, 6 PIM
Nestrasil has been a fringe NHL player for several seasons, and 2016-17 was no different as he split time between Carolina and Charlotte.
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in the DEL with Fischtown.
Starting the year in the ECHL, Newbury quickly latched onto an AHL team early on in the season. The veteran is heading overseas for the first time in his pro career for 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Toronto.
Novak's second full season in the AHL went similarly to his first with the Devils.
Jim O'Brien (San Antonio): 53GP, 9G-15A, -11, 42 PIM
O'Brien can be a difference maker at the AHL level in a complementary role surrounded with other talented forwards.
Ryan Olsen (Manitoba): 56GP, 7G-4A, -9, 54 PIM
It became clear Olsen wasn't part of Winnipeg's future plans as he was down on the depth chart in the AHL with Manitoba.
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in DEL with Eisbaren Berlin.
The veteran forward returned after two years of overseas hockey and was a depth forward at the AHL level in 2016-17.
John Parker (Hershey): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
The former Bemidji State University product spent his first pro season in the ECHL with South Carolina, putting up a respectable 32 points in 59 games.
Pascal Pelletier (Utica): 52GP, 10G-18A, +2, 20 PIM
After several years overseas, Pelletier took an AHL deal with Utica to play in North America in 2016-17. Will he bolt back overseas or stick around the AHL in 2017-18?
Rod Pelley (Albany): 71GP, 6G-7A, -4, 34 PIM
Does the Devils' captain the past four seasons have one more year left in him?
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Washington.
After several NHL seasons, Peluso was relegated to AHL duty in 2016-17 without much success.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Providence.
The veteran two-way forward played well in Providence last season on an AHL only contract. Plenty of experience to provide to his next team.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Ottawa.
The PBruins enforcer hits free agency Saturday and adds obvious toughness to the AHL lineup when he's dressed.
Brendan Ranford (Texas/Tucson/San Antonio): 67GP, 10G-24A, - 10, 16 PIM
Ranford bounced around the Pacific Division this past year.
Joel Rechlicz (Bakersfield): 15GP, 0G-0A, -4, 54 PIM
The longtime AHL enforcer has seen limited use in the past few years.
Borna Rendulic (Utica): 69GP, 12G-11A, +3, 30 PIM
Renudlic has had limited NHL opportunities in his time in North America so far, but is starting to adapt to the smaller rink and make better decisions with less time and space.
Mike Ribeiro (Milwaukee): 28GP, 5G-21A, -6, 18 PIM
2016-17 was Ribeiro's first AHL stint since 2002-03, as the 37-year-old veteran forward has amassed over 1,000 NHL games. It appears his NHL days are done, but is he ready to hang em up for good?
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Arizona.
There's no typo on Rinaldo's penalty minutes from the 2016-17 season. He's become rather tame since being acquired from the Flyers two years ago.
Eric Robinson (Springfield): 40GP, 1G-5A, +4, 10 PIM
Depth AHL forward in 2016-17 for the Thunderbirds on an AHL-only contract last season.
EDIT: Signed a two-year AHL contract with Belleville.
Rodewald put up good numbers in his first full AHL season on an offensively friendly Binghamton team in 2016-17.
EDIT: Signed an ECHL contract with Indy.
The undersized forward split time between the AHL and ECHL in 2016-17, and was not tendered a qualifying offer.
Henrik Samuelsson (Tucson/Bakersfield): 25GP, 2G-1A, Even, 20 PIM
Injuries and falling out of favor in the Arizona organization led to his departure to Edmonton. The 2012-1st rounder needs a change of scenery and a fresh start to revive his pro career.
EDIT: Signed a two-year AHL contract with San Diego.
'JST' finished his third pro season following collegiate hockey at Quinnipiac with his second consecutive 10-goal, 10-assist AHL campaign. A solid bottom-six depth player at this level.
Nick Saracino (Iowa): 33GP, 2G-4A, -4, 6 PIM
On an AHL contract in his first pro season out of Providence College, Saracino was a depth forward in and out of the Wild lineup in 2016-17 while learning to adapt to life as a pro.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.
The Penguins' enforcer can do more than drop the gloves. He makes the games interesting.
Quentin Shore (Ontario): 13GP, 1G-0A, +1, 2 PIM
Shore's first pro season following college hockey at the University of Denver was spent primarily in the ECHL where he posted 43 points in 56 games in Manchester.
Brett Sterling (Chicago): 61GP, 11G-18A, +10, 40 PIM
The undersized scorer returned to Chicago after three years overseas, and played a secondary scoring role on an offensively potent Wolves team last season. Might he come back on another AHL deal in the fall.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Charlotte.
Stortini is a big, physical forward that isn't afraid to drop his gloves or stick up for his teammates. The veteran is great to have on your team, and not so much fun to play against.
EDIT: Signed a one-year deal in Czech Republic with HC Plzen
After an early-season trade from the Phantoms to the Devils, Straka battled injuries last season and decided to return overseas to play hockey closer to home in 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Manitoba.
Injuries limited Sutter to just 19 games last season.
EDIT: Re-signed an AHL contract with Lehigh Valley.
Buried in the ECHL due to the Phantoms' forward depth, Swavely played down the stretch and was responsible enough defensively and strong on the face-off dot - allowing him to play in all five of the Phantoms' postseason games. The Reading, Pa. native re-signed and will be back in 2017-18.
Justin Vaive (Rochester): 66GP, 3G-6A, -6, 90 PIM
After a strong pair of AHL seasons, Vaive was back to a fringe AHL forward in 2016-17 between AHL Rochester and ECHL Cincinnati.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Laval.
A depth forward for the IceCaps who also saw some ECHL time in 2016-17 for the first time in three years since his rookie season in 2013-14.
EDIT: Signed a five-year contract in NLA with Lausanne HC
Vermin wasted little time signing a contract closer to home back across the pond after his season with the Crunch ended. Likely an agreement made during the AHL postseason.
A.J. White (Providence): 12GP, 0G-2A, +2, 2 PIM
White was an ECHL'er in 2016-17, amassing 20 points in 49 games with Atlanta.
EDIT: Signed an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies.
Back-to-back 30-point AHL seasons makes Winquist a solid depth addition for any AHL club.
Chase Witala (Toronto): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Witala was an ECHL player in his rookie season at the pro level.
Brendan Woods (Charlotte): 24GP, 3G-3A, -7, 41 PIM
The Palmyra, Pa native had spent his first four years of pro hockey with the Hurricanes organization. The AHL bottom-six forward will be looking for a new home this summer.
Kelly Zajac (Hershey): 9GP, 4G-3A, +8, 2 PIM
Mainly an ECHL forward in 2016-17, putting up 52 points in 59 games with South Carolina.
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in DEL with Straubing.
Zalewski has sniffed the NHL with Vancouver but been an AHL mainstay with Utica throughout his entry level deal which expired this summer.
EDIT: Signed a one-year deal in SHL with Linkoping HC.
Zengerle's vision was second to none in the AHL season, and if not for limited power play time on a deep team he could have hit 50 points on the year with ease. He's taking his talents overseas in 2017-18.
Defensemen
Conor Allen (Grand Rapids): 56GP, 1G-10A, -4, 49 PIM
The veteran defender is two years removed from back-to-back 30-plus point AHL seasons now, but still serviceable as a depth defender on the third pairing.
Bryce Aneloski (Bakersfield): 35GP, 1G-4A,-4, 16 PIM
A fringe AHL/ECHL defender throughout his four-year pro career who's been about a 30-point guy in the ECHL.
Brandon Anselmini (Texas): 10GP, 0G-3A, +3, 6 PIM
Anselmini was primarily an ECHL defender in his rookie season at the pro level.
Keith Aulie (Cleveland/Stockton): 57GP, 2G-5A, -1, 92 PIM
The rangy defender plays a stay at home game but moves well for a 6-foot-6, 223 pound blue liner. The eight-year veteran will be searching for another AHL deal in 2017-18.
Brady Austin (Rochester): 72GP, 4G-8A, -10, 59 PIM
The third year pro wasn't offered a qualifying offer this summer as his entry-level contract expired, but has 210 AHL games of experience under his belt and is looking for his next AHL opportunity.
Jake Baker (Manitoba): 15GP, 0G-1A, +4, 30 PIM
Baker split this past season between the AHL and ECHL while on an AHL contract for the second straight year.
Mac Bennett (Rochester): 46GP, 3G-6A, -19, 15 PIM
His third pro season appeared to be similar to his rookie year in 2014-15, but he fell out of favor in the organization after signing a one-year AHL deal with the Amerks last summer.
Marc-Andre Bergeron (Cleveland): 22GP, 5G-8A,-2, 8 PIM
Making a return to North America after three years overseas playing for the ZSC Lions in the NLA, Bergeron turned a training camp invite in Columbus into a PTO with AHL Cleveland before earning an NHL deal to play the rest of the season in the AHL. He's 37 in October, will he make it one more year in the AHL this fall?
Patrick Bjorkstrand (Ontario): 42GP, 8G-4A, +3, 10 PIM
Bjorkstrand's first season in North America was average, but the potential is there once he fully adapts to the North American pro game.
Stu Bickel (San Diego): 26GP, 2G-4A, -2, 148 PIM
The Gulls' enforcer had 210 penalty minutes in 2015-16, but continues to be a physical force on the back end and unafraid of the fisticuffs.
Dylan Blujus (Syracuse): 23GP, 1G-7A, +3, 16 PIM
Surprisingly, the former 2012-2nd round pick wasn't tendered a qualifying offer by the Lightning and is headed toward free agency on July 1st.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Providence.
The 6-foot-7 defender was an alternate captain for the PBruins for the second consecutive season despite being limited to just 37 regular season games. The AHL free agent might be looking to take his 400 AHL games of experience to a new opportunity outside of Providence this summer.
Mathieu Brodeur (Syracuse): 56GP, 3G-10A, +14, 57 PIM
The 6-foot-6 defenseman filled in ably during the season and was rewarded with a roster spot for the 2017 Calder Cup Playoffs as well. On an AHL deal in 2016-17, teams looking to add size and dependability should inquire for Brodeur's services this fall.
Nikolas Brouillard (Toronto): 1GP, 0G-0A, -1, 0 PIM
On an AHL deal last season, Brouillard was an ECHL defenseman in 2016-17 with Orlando - tallying 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 39 games.
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in EBEL with EC Salzburg.
The 30-year-old defender returned to St. John's after a year overseas in the SHL, but hasn't returned to form that he exhibited while a member of the Hershey Bears.
Travis Brown (San Jose): 1GP, 0G-0A, +1, 2 PIM
Signed to an AHL contract for depth, the Barracuda never needed Brown's services in 2016-17 minus one game. He was primarily an ECHL player with the Allen Americans.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Iowa.
A depth defender on an AHL contract with the Griffins last season though primarily in ECHL with Toledo.
Chris Carlisle (Binghamton): 74GP, 3G-13A, -29, 35 PIM
The undersized - but not overmatched - Carlisle is a depth defenseman at the AHL level. Don't let the horrid plus/minus scare you, Binghamton was putrid defensively last season.
Mat Clark (San Antonio): 38GP, 1G-6A, -1, 29 PIM
The former 2nd round pick of Anaheim in 2009 has been stuck on a struggling San Antonio team in the past two years, but is a dependable defenseman at the AHL level.
Adam Comrie (Syracuse): 55GP, 8G-11A, -7, 33 PIM
The offensively-gifted defenseman played a bit at forward this season with the Crunch. His big-time slap shot can do some damage, particularly on the power power play.
Brian Cooper (San Diego): 37GP, 4G-6A, +5, 10 PIM
Cooper's first full pro season following four years at the University of Nebraska-Omaha saw him in a limited role in 2016-17. He's certainly hoping for another AHL deal for the upcoming season to build on his game.
Cody Corbett (San Antonio/Hershey): 23GP, 2G-8A, -4, 6 PIM
Corbett was acquired by Washington in the trade that sent goaltender Joe Cannata to Colorado, and never saw AHL ice with Hershey down the stretch before not being tendered a qualifying offer by the Capitals on June 25th.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Manitoba.
The Moose's captain has been a part of the organization the past seven years spanning his entire pro career back to the Atlanta Thrashers days in 2010-11.
Willie Corrin (Toronto): 4GP, 0G-0A, -2, 2 PIM
On an AHL deal last season, Corrin was an ECHL defender in 2016-17 mainly with the Brampton Beast tallying 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists) in 40 games.
Ryan Culkin (Stockton): 19GP, 0G-0A, -2, 4 PIM
Culkin wasn't tendered a qualifying offer from Calgary following a third straight year in the organization with limited success at the AHL level.
Patrick Cullity (Bridgeport): 36GP, 0G-5A, -4, 52 PIM
The physical defender was mainly an AHL depth defensemen this past season, but remains an AHL free agent.
Chris DeSousa (Rockford): 36GP, 4G-1A, -8, 77 PIM
A fringe AHL/ECHL forward that has spent the past two seasons in Rockford.
Josiah Didier (St. John's): 39GP, 2G-6A, +3, 25 PIM
The second year pro improved upon his rookie season, but the AHL free agent is still unsigned for 2017-18. With the St. John's IceCaps now defunct as the Montreal Canadiens re-located their AHL affiliate to Laval, there's no telling how it will affect the IceCaps' AHL-only free agents this summer.
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in KHL with Barys Astana.
Dietz wasn't tendered a qualifying offer by Hershey and didn't appear to be a part of the plans for the Captials' AHL affiliate when they loaned him to Texas in March.
Kayle Doetzel (Stockton): 56GP, 0G-2A, +6, 59 PIM
Doetzel's rookie season was surely a learning experience, and he'll look to build off it in 2017-18 though currently an AHL free agent.
Teddy Doherty (Springfield): 1GP, 0G-0A, Even, 0 PIM
On an AHL deal last season, Doherty was exclusively an ECHL defenseman in 2016-17 - putting together 36 points (eight goals, 28 assists) in 63 ECHL games last year predominantly with Manchester.
Troy Donnay (Hartford): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Donnay wasn't tendered a qualifying offer by the New York Rangers, becoming an unrestricted free agent following just one AHL game in two seasons of pro hockey. Had 3G-14A in 61 ECHL games with Greenville in 2016-17.
Tim Erixon (W-B/Scranton): 54GP, 4G-13A, +11, 24 PIM
Erixon wasn't tendered a qualifying offer from Pittsburgh, and it has been reported by KHL team Jokerit that they have acquired the player's KHL rights although to date a contract hasn't been signed/announced yet. Erixon is likely headed overseas and thus not an AHL option in 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed entry-level contract with Los Angeles
The towering defender native to Belarus didn't crack the AHL roster in his first season of pro hockey in North America.
EDIT: Signed an AHL contract with Charlotte.
Finn put up 11 goals and 23 assists in 52 ECHL games with Missouri last season, but he's been unable to stick in the AHL full-time throughout his pro career.
Mark Fraser (Bakersfield): 65GP, 3G-3G, -4, 79 PIM
The hard-hitting veteran defenseman just finished up his 11th season of pro hockey and surely is looking for a 12th in 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Hershey.
On an AHL deal in 2016-17, Geiger was a depth defenseman for the Amerks this past season in his first full season following a four-year collegiate career at Clarkson.
Eric Gelinas (San Antonio): 27GP, 3G-9A, -22, 14 PIM
A fringe NHL/AHL defenseman, Gelinas wasn't qualified by Colorado on June 25th and is heading towards the free agent market.
EDIT: Signed an AHL contract with Rochester.
His last four seasons have been spent with the AHL Penguins organization, but his last two years have been injury-riddled. If he can stay healthy, he's a third pairing AHL defender with experience and puck-moving ability.
Brandon Gormley (Albany/Binghamton): 52GP, 4G-11A, -20, 42 PIM
Traded from New Jersey to Ottawa back in March, the offensively-minded defenseman is four years removed from back-to-back 29-point plus seasons when he entered the pro ranks as a 2010 1st round pick (13th overall).
Spiro Goulakos (Hartford): 8GP, 0G-2A, -2, 4 PIM
Goulakos has had no problem producing offensively in the ECHL in his two-years as a pro, but has yet to stick in the AHL on a more permanent basis.
EDIT: Signed a one-year deal with Colorado.
Graham put up decent AHL numbers in a limited role, but wasn't tendered a qualifying offer from the Islanders after his entry-level contract expired this summer.
EDIT: Signed to a two-way AHL/ECHL contract with Toronto.
Despite being on an NHL contract with Minnesota, Erik's brother didn't appear in a Wild game all season long - spending most of the season in the ECHL with Quad City before being loaned to the Toronto Marlies for a four-game AHL stint (his only AHL action of the 2016-17 season. Unsurprisingly, he wasn't tendered a qualifying offer and is two-years removed from a 46-game AHL season in his rookie year of pro.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with New York Islanders.
A fringe NHL/AHL defender, Helgeson split time between New Jersey and Albany for the third straight season but has yet to re-sign with the Devils for a fifth year in the organization.
Tommy Hughes (Hartford): 53GP, 0G-5A, -13, 34 PIM
Hughes has spent all four years of his pro career in the AHL with the New York Rangers' affiliate in Hartford, some 226 regular season games. The stay-at-home defender hasn't eclipsed 10 points in any of his four pro seasons, but it's not the focal point of his game.
Luke Juha (Bridgeport): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
The undrafted Penn State standout completed his rookie season at the pro level entirely in the ECHL with the Missouri Mavericks, compiling 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) in 43 games in 2016-17.
Jon Jutzi (Toronto): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Jutzi spent his rookie season of pro hockey in the ECHL with Orlando following a brief stint with Manitoba in 2015-16 after a four-year collegiate career at Minnesota State.
Dan Kelly (San Jose): 53GP, 1G-6A, +4, 116 PIM
Beginning the season serving a lengthy suspension from the 2016 Calder Cup Playoffs, Kelly remained a physical stay-at-home defenseman for San Jose Barracuda as their alternate captain this past year.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Manitoba.
Kramer doesn't offer much offensively, but plays a hard-nosed physical game and isn't afraid to drop the gloves.
Hubert Labrie (Hershey): 70GP, 3G-8A, +3, 66 PIM
The veteran defenseman was a third pairing guy for the Bears last season on an AHL-only contract. His 281 games of AHL experience could provide some depth to a team in need in 2017-18 if he isn't re-signed by Hershey.
Max Lamarche (Lehigh Valley): 26GP, 4G-9A, +3, 14 PIM
Lamarche was a third pairing depth defender for the Phantoms last season, but didn't look out of place in the AHL. His role was simply limited due to the depth and highly-regarded prospects ahead of him on the depth chart. If he doesn't return to the Phantoms' organization for his fifth year, he could be a reliable third pairing AHL defender elsewhere in 2017-18.
Joey Leach (Hershey): 18GP, 0G-3A, +8, 35 PIM
A fringe ECHL/AHL defensemen throughout his four year career, Leach put up 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 35 ECHL games with South Carolina last season and was an alternate captain for the Stingrays on their way to the Kelly Cup Finals in 2016-17.
Loic Leduc (Bridgeport): 33GP, 1G-2A, -13, 36 PIM
The 6-foot-7 defender stayed in the AHL for the duration of the 2016-17 - a first for him in his three-year pro career - but it wasn't enough to receive a qualifying offer from the Islanders on June 25th.
Guillaume Lepine (Binghamton): 54GP, 1G-2A, -21, 77 PIM
The one-dimensional Lepine doesn't offer much outside of being an enforcer that is aggressive and physical in the dirty areas of the ice, but teams looking for a brute to protect their prospects in the AHL could add Lepine to an AHL contract for the 2017-18 season.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Anaheim.
The stat line says all you need to know about Liambas. It's acutally his lowest PIM total since turning pro.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Rochester.
The hard-hitting physical defenseman has been a minus player the past two seasons and his offensive production has slipped from 2015-16 where he tallied 15 points (one goal, 14 assists) in 72 games with Manitoba.
Daniel Maggio (Toronto): 4GP, 1G-1A, +1, 9 PIM
Maggio was a depth defenseman for the Marlies that spent most of the season in the ECHL with their affiliate in Orlando.
Ben Marshall (Providence): 14GP, 2G-4A, +6, 8 PIM
Marshall floated between the AHL and ECHL in his second pro season following four years at the University of Minnesota. With ECHL Atlanta, put up 22 points (five goals, 17 assists) in 34 games and could be a depth option on the back end.
Nick Mattson (Rockford) - 2GP, 0G-0A, +2, 2 PIM
Mattson has spent his first two seasons primarily in the ECHL following a four-year career at the University of North Dakota.
EDIT: Signed a two-year extension with Detroit.
McIlrath was traded twice in the same season last year, but the well-traveled physical defenseman was rewarded by winning the Calder Cup with Grand Rapids in June.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Syracuse.
The physical stay-at-home defender was traded early on in the 2016-17 in his 5th year with Penguins organization and will be searching for a new home for the upcoming season.
Jacob Middleton (San Jose): 50GP, 1G-8A, +11, 56 PIM
Middleton wasn't too out of place as an AHL rookie in 2016-17 following a four year OHL career.
Brenden Miller (Toronto): 2GP, 1G-0A, Even, 0 PIM
Miller put up good numbers in the ECHL with Orlando to the tune of 15 goals and 16 assists in 55 games, but couldn't crack the AHL lineup outside of the two games in 2016-17.
His two-year entry-level contract was renewed by Calgary, sending Morrison to free agency on July 1st following some productive years with Western Michingan University at the collegiate level.
EDIT: Signed a two-year contract in SHL with Linkoping HC.
The 31-year-old journeymen began the year in the KHL but wound up joining the Amerks on an AHL pact in February - finishing the year with Rochester. Offensive-minded defenseman can fill a void on the blueline for a team looking to add scoring punch and experienced puck-moving ability from the back end.
John Negrin (Utica): 22GP, 0G-5A, -2, 12 PIM
A depth defender for the Comets this past season while on an AHL contract.
Jared Nightingale (Chicago): 12GP, 0G-1A, +3, 18 PIM
The AHL/ECHL tweener was the captain of the ECHL's Toledo Walleye this past season where he spent most of his time in 2016-17.
Garrett Noonan (Hartford): 26GP, 0G-3A, -3, 24 PIM
Noonan has been a fringe AHL/ECHL player in his three-year pro career to date with much better success while at the ECHL level.
Ryan Obuchowski (Bridgeport): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
The rookie out of Yale University completed his first pro season in the ECHL with Missouri in 2016-17, totaling 16 points (two goals, 14 assists) in 69 games this past season.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies.
Paliotta wasn't able to match his offensive output from a year prior with Lake Erie (now Cleveland Monsters) but how much of it plays into the fact that he was on a putrid WolfPack team remains to be seen.
Adam Pardy (Milwaukee): 31GP, 3G-4A, +6, 20 PIM
The 342-NHL game veteran split last season between Nashville and Milwaukee. If he's willing to take on a mentor role in the AHL, he could definitely carve out a few more years of playing pro hockey.
Stuart Percy (W-B/Scranton): 37GP, 1G-7A, +6, 18 PIM
The former 25th overall pick in 2011 of Toronto was hoping for a fresh start with the Penguins organization but ultimately had trouble staying healthy last season before not being tendered a qualifying offer by Pittsburgh during the restricted free agency deadline on June 25th. Which team will take a chance on him this fall?
Jonathan Racine (St. John's/Syracuse): 55GP, 1G-5A, +3, 78 PIM
Traded from Montreal to Tampa Bay mid-season, Racine was a depth defender that did appear in five postseason games for the Crunch this past spring - adding a goal and an assist during the Crunch's run to the 2017 Calder Cup Finasls
Kevin Raine (Charlotte): 13GP, 0G-0A, -3, 4 PIM
Raine, on an AHL-only contract with Charlotte last season, played primarily in the ECHL with the Florida Everblades in 2016-17 where he compiled 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 40 games to go along with a plus 17 rating.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Dallas.
The undersized veteran defenseman has been an AHL captain in each of the last three years in two different organizations, and could be a good addition for an AHL club in need of a leader on the back end in 2017-18.
Jaynen Rissling (Milwaukee): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Rissling hasn't been able to crack the AHL lineup in his pro career through three years. He appeared in 5 AHL games in his rookie season, but has been plugging away in the ECHL with Cincinnati and put up 28 points (seven goals, 21 assists) in 66 games last season.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Carolina.
Robertson wasn't tendered a qualifying offer by Carolina on June 25th, becoming an unrestricted free agent after a respectable 2016-17 campaign - his third full year at the pro level.
EDIT: Signed a one-year ECHL contract with Allen.
Roy was an ECHL-only player in 2016-17 while on an AHL contract with San Jose. Near point per game numbers in 40 ECHL games with Allen.
Jeff Schultz (San Diego): 65GP, 0G-15A, +6, 18 PIM
The veteran defender has over 700 games of pro experience, and his 6-foot-6 frame has held up well over the years - appearing in at least 52 AHL games in each of the last four seasons.
Rob Scuderi (Ontario): 15GP, 0G-3A, +3, 4 PIM
Does the 38-year old have another AHL season in him?
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in EBEL with Villacher SV.
Shields was a dependable depth defender for the Comets last season on an AHL contract and could provide depth for the next AHL organization he signs.
EDIT: Signed an ECHL contract with South Carolina.
Primarily an ECHL player in 2016-17, but tore it up with Norfolk amassing 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) in 49 games last season.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Edmonton.
The seven-year pro has been a dependable defensemen in at least back-to-back years in the AHL as a member of Hershey/Washington two years prior and primarily with the Monsters last season.
Ty Stanton (Toronto): 3GP, 0G-0A, +1, 0 PIM
Stanton's first full pro season after four years in the WHL with Medicine Hat was spent largely in the ECHL with Orlando where he tallied six assists in 26 games.
Tyson Strachan (Rochester): 61GP, 1G-11A, -8, 36 PIM
Strachan has plenty of experience - 404 AHL games and 186 NHL games - under his belt and can provide a veteran/leadership role with an AHL club this fall.
Dustin Stevenson (Texas): 59GP, 2G-4A, +1, 119 PIM
The physical, stay-at-home defenseman can handle his own in the AHL.
EDIT: Signed a two-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.
The physical veteran defender was named an alternate captain of the WolfPack last year, but appears headed for the free agent market in search of a new home for his eighth pro season.
Kevin Tansey (Chicago): 19GP, 1G-2A, +3, 21 PIM
In his first full season of pro hockey, Tansey was primarily an ECHL defender with the Missouri Mavericks where he tallied 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 44 games.
EDIT: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.
Tinordi has been a fringe NHL player in recent years, but can be a solid AHL option for any team wishing to use him in that role.
Dalton Thrower (St. John's): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Thrower appeared in just nine AHL games in his three years in the Montreal Canadiens organization, and unsurprisingly was not tendered a qualifying offer on June 25th.
Nolan Valleau (Rockford): 46GP, 3G-5A, -19, 14 PIM
The Bowling Green State University product has two years of AHL experience under his belt now and appears to be in search of a fresh start for his third.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Chicago.
The six-year pro has 250 AHL games of experience and has spent the past two seasons with the Chicago Wolves on AHL contracts.
Mike Weber (Iowa): 56GP, 1G-7A, +6, 92 PIM
The AHL Wild's captain this past season is just one year removed from six straight NHL seasons. Plenty of experience for prospects to lean on for advice.
Michael Webster (W-B/Scranton): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Signed to an AHL deal following four years with the OHL's Barrie Colts, Webster was an ECHL defenseman in his rookie year at the pro level - putting up decent offensive numbers with the Wheeling Nailers to the tune of 29 points (five goals, 24 assists) in 57 games.
EDIT: Signed a one-year ECHL contract with Brampton.
Wilson spent his first pro season entirely in the ECHL with Tulsa, putting up a respectable 16 points in 55 games.
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract in EBEL with HC Bolzano.
A depth defenseman for the Marlies last season on an AHL contract.
Oleg Yevenko (Cleveland): 49GP, 0G-6A, +6, 90 PIM
The 6-foot-7 rugged defenseman from Belarus wasn't tendered a qualifying offer by Columbus on June 25th. Perhaps an AHL contract is in his future, and with size and physical play I'm sure he could fit a need somewhere in the league.
Goalies
Sam Brittain (Springfield): 10GP, 4-5-0, 2.42 GAA, .905 SV%, 0 SO
Mainly an ECHL goaltender in 2016-17, Brittain went 20-9-1 in the regular season with the Manchester Monarchs - adding an 11-7 record in the Kelly Cup Playoffs. Could be a solid #3 option for an AHL club in the fall.
Mac Carruth (Rockford): 24GP, 5-11-5, 3.64 GAA, .879 SV%, 0 SO
The Blackhawks' 2010-7th round pick wasn't tendered a qualifying offer, and will be looking for a fresh start elsewhere in free agency this summer.
Mark Dekanich (Lehigh Valley): 1GP, 0-0-0, 9.10 GAA, .839 SV%, 0 SO
The nine-year pro is still as serviceable goaltender for depth between the AHL/ECHL as a number three netminder that can be called up to the AHL in a pinch. His lone AHL game this past season came in relief after just returning from a lengthy injury absence. It went about as well as the numbers posted here suggest.
Ryan Faragher (San Diego): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
An ECHL goaltender the past two seasons while on an NHL contract, Faragher has put up decent numbers despite not getting a real shot in the AHL. 41 wins and five shutouts over the past two seasons in the ECHL with the Utah Grizzlies suggest he's a fringe AHL goalie.
Jack Flinn (Ontario): 5GP, 1-2-1, 3.41 GAA, .874 SV%, 0 S0
A rookie on an AHL deal this past season, Flinn had a hard time getting game action - appearing in just five AHL games and another 13 ECHL games with the Reign's ECHL affiliate in Manchester. Jury is still out on the former Owen Sound and Mississauga product out of the OHL.
Michael Garteig (Utica): 8GP, 0-4-2, 3.01 GAA, .897 SV%, 0 SO
Garteig was a depth goaltender between Utica and ECHL Alaska last season.
Matt Ginn (Providence): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
On an AHL contract each of the past two seasons, Ginn has been a depth goalie for the PBruins with their ECHL affiliate Atlanta Gladiators.
Scott Greenham (Belleville): 3GP, 0-1-0, 7.09 GAA, .765 SV%, 0 SO
After a 15-win AHL season with the BSens in 2014-15, Greenham has been mainly an ECHL goaltender in the Senators' system the last two years - appearing in just nine AHL games in that span.
Jonas Gunnarsson (Milwaukee): 16GP, 3-7-4, 3.29 GAA, .878 SV%, 1 SO
The 25-year-old Swede's first pro season in North America was a struggle, but how much of it was adapting to a new style of game and living life across the Atlantic Ocean for the first time remains to be seen.
Matt Hackett (San Diego): 7GP, 2-3-0, 3.35 GAA, .898 SV%, 1 SO
A shoulder injury in late-November that required surgery ended Hackett's season just as it was beginning. The seven-year pro had a brief NHL stint a few years back, but how the shoulder injury affects Hackett moving forward remains to be seen.
Jake Hildebrand (Rockford): 3GP, 0-1-1, 4.58 GAA, .868 SV%, 0 SO
On an AHL contract following four years at Michigan State University, Hildebrand was an ECHL goalie minus his three appearances for Rockford in his 1st pro season - going 18-21-3 with four shutouts for the ECHL's Indy Fuel this past season.
Michael Houser (Cleveland): 1GP. 0-0-0. 3.00 GAA, .750 SV%, 0 SO
Houser was an ECHL goaltender last season who went 22-14-1 with two shutouts in Cincinnati in 2016-17. Not a bad depth option for a guy two years removed from a 19-win season in AHL San Antonio.
Eric Levine (Rockford): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
A career ECHL goaltender, Levine struggled mightily last season to the tune of 5-20-1 with Rockford's ECHL affiliate Indy Fuel.
Austin Lotz (Tucson): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
On an AHL-only contract with the Roadrunners last season, Lotz never saw AHL ice. In fact, he was nothing more than an ECHL spot starter - appearing in 13 ECHL games in 2016-17.
Jeff Malcolm (Hartford): 5GP, 0-4-1, 4.66 GAA .865 SV%, 0 SO
After a seven-win and two shutout performance in 14 games with Hartford in 2015-16, he never really got a chance in the AHL this past season with Magnus Hellberg and rookie Brandon Halverson controlling the WolfPack nets. Not a bad depth goalie to store in ECHL for when injuries arise.
EDIT: Re-signed a one-year AHL contract with Hershey.
Milner has bounced back and forth between the AHL and ECHL over his four year pro career. With ECHL South Carolina last year, Milner posted a 26-win season - adding 12 more wins in a Kelly Cup Playoffs run that ended with a loss in the finals to the Colorado Eagles.
EDIT: Signed a one-year ECHL contract with Norfolk.
On an AHL contract this past season, Murray was an ECHL goaltender for the Allen Americans for the second straight season. He'll be looking for another AHL deal for the upcoming season.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Lehigh Valley.
The seven-year pro has bounced between the AHL and ECHL throughout his career, and can be a dependable depth addition between the pipes for an AHL club in need in 2017-18.
EDIT: Signed a one-year AHL contract with Milwaukee.
On an entry level contract, Paterson appeared in just two AHL games in the span of three years with the Detroit Red Wings organization. Last year in the ECHL with Toledo, Paterson went 34-13-1 with seven shutouts. Perhaps a dependable depth option on an AHL deal this fall.
Anthony Peters (Charlotte): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Peters put together a 31-win season in the ECHL with the Florida Everblades this past year, but has appeared in just 8 AHL games in his three-year pro hockey career.
EDIT: Signed a one-year contract with Syracuse.
On an AHL-only contract, Riopel played in the ECHL with Kalamazoo last season - going 18-12-1 with one shutout for the Wings in 2016-17.
Kent Simpson (San Antonio): 9GP, 1-4-2, 3.33 GAA, .892 SV%, 0 SO
The five-year pro continues to flip between the AHL & ECHL, serving a role as a depth option in net for AHL clubs and hoping to do so again in 2017-18.
Mackenzie Skapski (Hartford): 13GP, 2-8-0, 4.73 GAA, .856 SV%, 0 SO
A hip injury has really derailed Skapski's pro career after a bright start to his tenure with the New York Rangers organization. Can he get back on track in 2017-18 and stay healthy?
Colin Stevens (Springfield): No AHL Stats in 2016-17
Stevens had an up and down second year of pro hockey in the ECHL between Manchester and Tulsa with a combined 10-18-2 record in 33 appearances this past season.
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