WILLIAMS: On the Open Market; An AHL Free Agency Primer
The start of NHL free agency often is busiest at the AHL level. That is where NHL organizations attempt to shore up their depth charts, construct a strong veteran core to guide their top prospects in the AHL, and build the sort of winning culture that clubs like the Toronto Marlies have built throughout the years.
As always, there are also plenty of bargains along with second- and third-chance players on the market, especially for an NHL team and general manager who thinks that a new home could be the key to uncovering unrealized potential.
There are some basic rules-of-thumb to keep in mind:
- First and foremost, there is the AHL “veteran” rule (a “veteran” is a skater who has dressed for more than 260 NHL, AHL or high-level European league regular-season games). Teams may carry as many “veterans” on their roster as they like, but they are not permitted to dress more than five for a game. They are also permitted to dress one “veteran-exempt” player (between 261-320 NHL, AHL or high-level European league regular-season games).
- Goaltenders do not fall under the veteran rule.
- General managers must also keep in mind the limit of 50 NHL contracts per organization. That can be where signing players to AHL contracts is handy.
- A one-way contract is a major objective for players on the NHL-AHL bubble, but they can be very difficult to obtain as NHL clubs seek salary-cap flexibility. The going annual salary for a higher-end AHL veteran player often falls around $200,000 (all figures US) and up for the AHL component of a two-way NHL-AHL deal; however, players on an NHL one-way deal will start at the minimum salary of $700,000 in 2019-20.
- Players may have a variety of career considerations at the AHL level when assessing offers – money, NHL opportunities, the AHL coaching staff, location, and team amenities (practice facility, travel, etc.). Europe is still another possibility for some players, depending on their career stage and appetite for adventure.
Here is a look at some of the top AHL unrestricted free-agents when the market opens on Canada Day (all player NHL contract and salary information is via capfriendly.com):
GOALTENDERS
Organizational goaltending depth should be at a premium this season. Age, European opportunities, and stalled development have all worked to thin the goaltending market on the NHL-AHL fringe.
1. DUSTIN TOKARSKI | CHARLOTTE CHECKERS
AGE: 29
REGULAR SEASON: 28 GP | 17-6-2 | 2.58 | .914
POSTSEASON: 5 GP | 5-0-0 | 1.74 | .935
Rescued from the Hartford Wolf Pack in February, Dustin Tokarski’s move to Charlotte revived his career. He emerged as an excellent sidekick for Checkers number-one goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic and eased the young prospect’s heavy workload. At one time a strong prospect in the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens organizations, Tokarski has bounced around like many goaltenders in their mid- to late-twenties who no longer are prospects. Consistency has been a knock on Tokarski, but the Charlotte coaching staff and players raved about Tokarski’s presence on and off the ice. On many teams, he would have been a clear-cut number-one.
2. SCOTT WEDGEWOOD | ROCHESTER AMERICANS
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 48 GP | 28-14-2 | 2.68 | .908
POSTSEASON: 3 GP | 0-3 | 3.00 |.862
Injury issues and playing in three NHL organizations in 2017-18 had sidetracked Scott Wedgewood’s career. Once a promising prospect in the New Jersey Devils organization, he bounced back this season with a solid season in Rochester. He also put in his heaviest workload since his rookie season in 2012-13, a continued good response after having shoulder surgery in 2016-17. At this stage of his career, he is at least a higher-end AHL number-one netminder and should be in demand.
3. ANDREW HAMMOND | IOWA WILD
AGE: 31
REGULAR SEASON: 33 GP | 19-12-2 | 2.81 | .910
POSTSEASON: 11 GP | 5-6 | 2.46 |.912
Andrew Hammond had to battle with Minnesota Wild prospect Kaapo Kähkönen for playing time in Iowa but eventually emerged as the club’s No. 1. Iowa survived a late-season slump, qualified for the postseason, and managed to reach the second round. He established a healthy workload after having played only 31 regular-season games in his past two seasons combined.
4. MIKE MCKENNA | LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS
AGE: 36
REGULAR SEASON: 16 GP | 8-7-0 | 3.27 | .903
POSTSEASON: N/A
At this stage of his career, NHL organizations know exactly what they will get with Mike McKenna – solid work in net and a strong veteran personality. His season got away from him after a recall to the Ottawa Senators, a trade to the Vancouver Canucks, a waiver pick-up by the Philadelphia Flyers, and eventually coming full-circle back to the AHL. After back-to-back trips to the Calder Cup Final with the Syracuse Crunch and Texas Stars, he had a rare light workload this season.
5. MAX LAGACÉ | CHICAGO WOLVES
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 33 GP | 16-10-6 | 2.43 | .914
POSTSEASON: 3 GP | 2-1 | 3.34 | .865
Max Lagacé jostled with Oskar Dansk for playing time with Wolves throughout the regular season. But Dansk eventually took over the full-time job in the first round of the postseason for the Calder Cup finalist. That was a disappointing end to what had been a solid second season in the Vegas Golden Knights organization.
6. ZANE MCINTYRE | PROVIDENCE BRUINS
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 46 GP | 25-14-7 | 2.59 | .898
POSTSEASON: 3 GP | 0-2 | 4.14 | .855
Zane McIntyre came to Providence in 2015-16 fresh out of the storied North Dakota program and quickly showed promise. He turned in the AHL’s best save percentage (.930) in his second pro season and took the P-Bruins to the Eastern Conference Final in 2017. However, he has stalled in the past two seasons in Providence and has not played for the Boston Bruins since that 2016-17 season. He struggled early this season before rallying, but he could use a fresh start in a new organization.
7. JEFF GLASS | SAN DIEGO GULLS
AGE: 33
REGULAR SEASON: 29 GP | 12-9-3 | 3.48 | .883
POSTSEASON: 11 GP | 6-4 | 2.43 | .912
AHL CONTRACT
Jeff Glass had a rocky start to his season with the Toronto Marlies and ended up in San Diego. There he rebuilt his season and carried the Gulls into a long playoff run.
8. TOM MCCOLLUM | MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS
AGE: 29
REGULAR SEASON: 34 GP | 12-10-10 | 2.72 | .899
POSTSEASON: 1 GP | 0-0 | 6.29 | .813
Tom McCollum has bounced between several AHL clubs in recent seasons. His numbers suffered somewhat with a club that struggled at different points in the regular season before slipping into the Calder Cup Playoffs and a first-round exit. But he has been a long-time solid AHL netminder capable of going on strong runs.
9. JEAN-FRANÇOIS BÉRUBÉ | CLEVELAND MONSTERS
AGE: 27
REGULAR SEASON: 43 GP | 21-17-5 | 3.01 | .896
POSTSEASON: N/A
Jean-Francois Bérubé served as Cleveland’s number-one until an injury on March 22nd that kept him out of action for the rest of the season.
10. JARED COREAU | SAN ANTONIO RAMPAGE
AGE: 27
REGULAR SEASON: 45 GP | 15-19-9 | 3.27 | .889
POSTSEASON: N/A
Jared Coreau went to the Anaheim Ducks organization for a new opportunity after a long stint in the Detroit Red Wings organization, where he had won the Calder Cup with the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2017. But he struggled early with the San Diego Gulls before eventually being shipped out to the St. Louis Blues three months into the season. With Jordan Binnington sticking in St. Louis, Coreau landed with San Antonio for mop-up duty as the Rampage stumbled through the second half of the regular season.
Other options: Ken Appleby (Manitoba Moose); Philippe Desrosiers (Texas Stars); Zach Fucale (Chicago Wolves); Brandon Halverson (Hartford Wolf Pack); Eddie Läck (Binghamton Devils); Eamon McAdam (Toronto Marlies); Mason McDonald (Stockton Heat); Anthony Stolarz (Edmonton Oilers); Adam Wilcox (Rochester Americans)
DEFENCEMEN
Top AHL defensemen, players who can take on heavy AHL minutes and fill in as necessary at the NHL level, are not overly plentiful. Still, there are enough options to ensure that it should be a competitive market for the type of player who can fill that NHL-AHL bubble role and perhaps also complement – or shelter – a top prospect who needs time.
1. AARON NESS | HERSHEY BEARS
AGE: 29
REGULAR SEASON: 71 GP | 5-50-55
POSTSEASON: 6 GP | 0-2-2
AHL VETERAN: YES
For a team in need of an elite number-one AHL blueliner who can fill in on the NHL roster, Aaron Ness more than fits that bill. He reached a new career high in points and led the AHL in regular-season assists. A power-play ace, he also brings considerable enthusiastic veteran leadership to any dressing room. After a scary crash into the boards in the first round of the postseason, he later returned to action.
2. TOMMY CROSS | CLEVELAND MONSTERS
AGE: 29
REGULAR SEASON: 73 GP | 7-27-34
POSTSEASON: 8 GP | 1-2-3
AHL VETERAN: YES
Much like Ness, Tommy Cross can fill an AHL No. 1 role. A no-nonsense personality, he went to the Columbus Blue Jackets organization last summer after six seasons with the Providence. However, he was passed over for several player recalls to Columbus. He brings a powerful shot, can help a power play, and is a long-time AHL captain.
3. JAYCOB MEGNA | SAN DIEGO GULLS
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 38 GP | 2-11-13
POSTSEASON: 16 GP | 0-2-2
AHL VETERAN VETERAN: EXEMPT
After a long AHL development curve, Jaycob Megna played a career-high 28 NHL games this season with the Anaheim Ducks. He worked his way into that role after being a 2012 seventh-round pick and serving as San Diego’s captain. He is far from flashy, but he brings a steady presence.
4. RYAN SPROUL | HERSHEY BEARS
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 64 GP | 10-19-29
POSTSEASON: 9 GP | 3-1-4
AHL VETERAN: YES
AHL CONTRACT
Ryan Sproul found himself in a bind at the start of the season as he tried to pin down a job. He went to a Hershey club badly in need of his experience and poise and help to turn around the Bears’ season.
5. DAVID WARSOFSKY | COLORADO EAGLES
AGE: 29
REGULAR SEASON: 51 GP | 5-27-32
POSTSEASON: 4 GP | 1-1-2
AHL VETERAN: YES
David Warsofsky owns an excellent shot that he uses freely; his 178 shots placed him third in the AHL among defensemen even though he only played 51 regular-season games. He can make a power play run.
6. DAN RENOUF | CHARLOTTE CHECKERS
AGE: 25
REGULAR SEASON: 74 GP | 2-22-24
POSTSEASON: 16 GP | 0-2-2
AHL VETERAN: NO
Dan Renouf has picked up two Calder Cup championships in his first three pro seasons after going undrafted out of the University of Maine. He was a bargain for the Carolina Hurricanes organization this season and will be in line for a healthy raise this summer. He plays a diligent, earnest game and did a lot of the dirty work on the Charlotte blue line to help free up that roster’s considerable skill.
7. DAKOTA MERMIS | TUCSON ROADRUNNERS
AGE: 25
REGULAR SEASON: 62 GP | 3-21-24
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN VETERAN-EXEMPT
Dakota Mermis captained the Roadrunners and has carved out a career for himself as an undrafted player.
8. ETHAN PROW | WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 68 GP | 18-32-50
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: NO
Ethan Prow made the most of a one-year contract extension from the Pittsburgh Penguins and put together a career season.
9. CHRIS WIDEMAN | WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS
AGE: 29
REGULAR SEASON: 19 GP | 3-12-15
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
Chris Wideman’s season went askew with the Ottawa Senators, to say the least. That led him on a meandering journey through three more NHL organizations to close out this season.
10. VINCENT LOVERDE | TORONTO MARLIES
AGE: 30
REGULAR SEASON: 68 GP | 3-8-11
POSTSEASON: 13 GP | 0-6-6
AHL VETERAN: YES
Vincent Loverde’s numbers have tailed off some, but he is an established two-way presence. He has a pair of Calder Cup championships and has filled leadership roles as a pro.
CHRIS BIGRAS | HARTFORD WOLF PACK
AGE: 24
REGULAR SEASON: 52 GP | 3-19-22
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: NO
A lower-body injury ended the season for Chris Bigras in February after the Wolf Pack roster had already started to crumble. An influx of signings by the parent New York Rangers have pushed Bigras out of the organization. Still, he is only 24-years-old and did come out of a successful OHL career as a second-round pick by the Colorado Avalanche, so he can at least be a depth option for an NHL organization.
ERIK BURGDOERFER | BELLEVILLE SENATORS
AGE: 30
REGULAR SEASON: 64 GP | 5-13-18
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
Erik Burgdoerfer has worked himself from an undrafted player who started his pro career in the AHL to a player who has made NHL appearances in each of the past three seasons. He captained Belleville this season.
CHRIS BUTLER | SAN ANTONIO RAMPAGE
AGE: 32
REGULAR SEASON: 51 GP | 2-19-21
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
Chris Butler has found a home with his hometown St. Louis Blues, playing a first-recall role for the past five seasons. He picked up 13 more NHL regular-season games this season, taking him to 407 in his career.
ANDREW CAMPBELL | ROCKFORD ICEHOGS
AGE: 31
REGULAR SEASON: 64 GP | 3-5-8
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
Andrew Campbell brings a steady presence to any blue line, and his standout leadership abilities have made him an AHL captain in three different NHL organizations.
JOSIAH DIDIER | CHARLOTTE CHECKERS
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 41 GP | 2-8-10
POSTSEASON: 19 GP | 0-4-4
AHL VETERAN: NO
AHL CONTRACT
Josiah Didier has turned himself into a reliable AHL defender. There is no flash to his game, but he is a good safety valve for a more aggressive partner.
JAKE DOTCHIN | SAN DIEGO GULLS
AGE: 25
REGULAR SEASON: 20 GP | 4-3-7
POSTSEASON: 6 GP | 0-2-2
AHL VETERAN VETERAN: EXEMPT
Jake Dotchin fell out of favour dramatically with the Tampa Bay Lighting in training camp before he was shipped off to the Anaheim Ducks. He managed to salvage something from his season and fill an NHL-AHL bubble role for the Ducks. He has played 103 regular-season NHL games in the past three seasons.
JOHN GILMOUR | HARTFORD WOLF PACK
AGE: 25
REGULAR SEASON: 70 GP | 20-34-54
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: NO
John Gilmour can produce numbers. While his defensive play has made progress since he turned pro, it certainly will never be his strong suit. He made something out of the Hartford Wolf Pack’s horrid season. In the right situation – and paired with a reliable defensive partner – he could be a strong addition for an AHL team.
HUBERT LABRIE | SYRACUSE CRUNCH
AGE: 27
REGULAR SEASON: 69 GP | 0-10-10
POSTSEASON: 4 GP | 0-0-0
AHL VETERAN: YES
AHL CONTRACT
Hubert Labrie plays a dependable game and settled into a good role with Syracuse.
EVAN MCENENY | UTICA COMETS
AGE: 25
REGULAR SEASON: 58 GP | 8-23-31
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: NO
Undrafted and having had a season-ending knee injury, Evan McEneny’s career has had some significant challenges. But he rebounded quite well this season.
GRIFFIN REINHART | CHICAGO WOLVES
AGE: 25
REGULAR SEASON: 75 GP | 4-12-16
POSTSEASON: 21 GP | 1-6-7
AHL VETERAN VETERAN: EXEMPT
Griffin Reinhart’s status as the 2012 NHL Draft’s fourth overall pick still follows him around. He came into the pro ranks just as the game shifted heavily toward its current-day speed-first style, but he is solid AHL blueliner
CAM SCHILLING | MANITOBA MOOSE
AGE: 31
REGULAR SEASON: 64 GP | 6-23-58
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
Cam Schilling has long been a steady two-way defender.
MATT TAORMINA | STOCKTON HEAT
AGE: 32
REGULAR SEASON: 31 GP | 0-7-7
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
Matt Taormina is only two years removed from winning the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL’s top defensemen, but those two years have been challenging. He produced numbers in 2017-18 with a dreadful Laval Rocket team; however, injury held him to 31 games this season with Stockton, another team that struggled badly.
MATT TENNYSON | ROCHESTER AMERICANS
AGE: 29
REGULAR SEASON: 47 GP | 4-17-21
POSTSEASON: 3 GP | 0-0-0
AHL VETERAN: YES
Matt Tennyson reached 45 NHL games in a single season as recently as 2016-17 when he was with the Carolina Hurricanes. He only managed four appearances with the Buffalo Sabres this season, however.
TYLER WOTHERSPOON | SAN ANTONIO RAMPAGE
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 70 GP | 4-18-22
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
Tyler Wotherspoon took a new opportunity with the St. Louis Blues organization after five seasons as an AHLer for the Calgary Flames. But San Antonio’s poor start side-tracked a lot of players on the roster.
Other options: Chris Breen (Providence Bruins); Kyle Cumiskey (Providence Bruins); Justin Falk (Belleville Senators); Mason Geertsen (Colorado Eagles); Eric Gryba (Binghamton Devils); Zac Leslie (Chicago Wolves); Julian Melchiori (Springfield Thunderbirds); Ryan Murphy (Binghamton Devils); Steve Oleksy (Toronto Marlies); Zach Palmquist (Lehigh Valley Phantoms); Stuart Percy (Providence Bruins); Dennis Robertson (Charlotte Checkers); Bobby Sanguinetti (Charlotte Checkers); Ryan Stanton (Bakersfield Condors); Peter Stoykewych (Manitoba Moose); Jordan Subban (Toronto Marlies); Keaton Thompson (San Diego Gulls)
FORWARDS
This year’s forward market offers all types of players to fit a variety of organizational needs. It also features several once-top prospects who have fizzled in their NHL attempts so far and could use a new opportunity elsewhere. And as always, there are any number of high-end veteran possibilities, especially players who possess enough skill to fit alongside a top prospect.
1. TOMAS JURCO | CHARLOTTE CHECKERS
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 33 GP | 12-15-27
POSTSEASON: 18 GP | 7-11-18
AHL VETERAN: YES
AHL CONTRACT
Tomas Jurco answered any and all questions about his health this season after back problems had nearly wrecked his career. He took an AHL deal with the Springfield Thunderbirds midseason, headed to the Checkers in February, and ended up tied for second in playoff scoring on the Checkers’ run to the Calder Cup. He paired wonderfully with rookie prospect Martin Necas, brings an excellent attitude, and possesses 201 NHL regular-season games of experience.
2. DANIEL CARR | CHICAGO WOLVES
AGE: 27
REGULAR SEASON: 52 GP | 30-41-71
POSTSEASON: 15 GP | 5-7-12
AHL VETERAN VETERAN: EXEMPT
Daniel Carr gambled on himself, turned down a qualifying offer from the Montreal Canadiens, and signed with the Vegas Golden Knights. The bet paid off – sort of. While Carr could not crack the deep Golden Knights line-up full-time, he put together a phenomenal season for a deep Wolves team and was a clear-cut choice as the AHL’s most valuable player. An injury after a mid-ice hit in a March game kept him out of action for nearly two months, but he had been on a 103-point pace until that point. He returned in the second round and assembled a solid postseason showing.
3. ANDREW POTURALSKI | CHARLOTTE CHECKERS
AGE: 25
REGULAR SEASON: 71 GP | 23-47-70
POSTSEASON: 18 GP | 12-11-23
AHL VETERAN: NO
No player in the AHL was a better bargain than Andrew Poturalski, who can expect a dramatic raise this summer. After an excellent regular season, he helped carry the Checkers on their Calder Cup run and was named the postseason’s most valuable player. But it has become apparent that he does not have a future with the Hurricanes, who have dressed him for only two NHL games in parts of four seasons. He is a well-respected, team-first player who plays a clever, wily game. Even better for potential NHL suitors, he does not qualify as an AHL veteran.
4. T.J. TYNAN | CHICAGO WOLVES
AGE: 27
REGULAR SEASON: 71 GP | 12-59-71
POSTSEASON: 22 GP | 2-11-13
AHL VETERAN: YES
Everywhere T.J. Tynan goes, he makes a team better. His 59 assists led the AHL, and he competes hard as a quite undersized player. He is not flashy, even at the AHL level, but he unlocks talent around him.
5. RILEY BARBER | HERSHEY BEARS
AGE: 25
REGULAR SEASON: 64 GP | 31-29-60
POSTSEASON: 9 GP | 3-3-6
AHL VETERAN: NO
The Washington Capitals seemingly never took much of a shine to Riley Barber, who continues to outpace his pedigree as a sixth-round pick. A fiery, emotional sort who plays beyond his size, he can carry an AHL club – even one that struggled like the Bears did in the first half. He desperately needs a new home, however, and expect to see him go quickly.
6. PATRICK BROWN | CHARLOTTE CHECKERS
AGE: 27
REGULAR SEASON: 64 GP | 19-16-35
POSTSEASON: 11 GP | 5-5-10
AHL VETERAN: YES
Patrick Brown had a career season, captaining the Charlotte and hitting career highs in goals and points. His teammates and coaches rave about his leadership skills, and he also earned an extended playoff audition with the Carolina Hurricanes. He can expect a big bump in salary this summer.
7. ANDREW AGOZZINO | COLORADO EAGLES
AGE: 28
REGULAR SEASON: 56 GP | 26-34-60
POSTSEASON: 4 GP | 3-0-3
AHL VETERAN: YES
Andrew Agozzino has been a consistent face in the Colorado Avalanche organization for all but one of the past seven seasons. That loyalty paid off this season when he picked up 11 games with the Avs. When he was with the Eagles, he gave them a top offensive threat.
8. BEN STREET | SAN DIEGO GULLS
AGE: 32
REGULAR SEASON: 32 GP | 9-17-26
POSTSEASON: 16 GP | 2-9-11
AHL VETERAN: YES
Ben Street played a career-high 21 games this season with the Anaheim Ducks in his first year in the organization before eventually settling back at the AHL level. He is an intelligent two-way player, possesses top-notch work habits, and has been a leadership asset throughout his career. He can also be a trusty NHL recall option as well.
9. CAL O’REILLY | IOWA WILD
AGE: 32
REGULAR SEASON: 67 GP | 16-51-67
POSTSEASON: 11 GP | 3-6-9
AHL VETERAN: YES
A bankable AHL playmaker for years, Cal O’Reilly has pretty firmly settled into AHL status having gotten only one NHL game in two seasons with the Minnesota Wild organization. At this point, he can market himself as an elite AHL player and earn himself a sizable paycheck.
10. CHRIS MUELLER | TORONTO MARLIES
AGE: 32
REGULAR SEASON: 67 GP | 33-32-65
POSTSEASON: 13 GP | 5-5-10
AHL VETERAN: YES
Sure, the AHL places a premium on youth, but Chris Mueller showed the kids a thing or two about the game. His 33 goals tied him for second in the AHL, one off the lead.
He is a dependable 20-25 goal player for any line-up. But put him with a competent playmaker, and he can really fill opposing nets. He brings a respected presence as well.
ANDY ANDREOFF | SYRACUSE CRUNCH
AGE: 28
REGULAR SEASON: 75 GP | 26-29-55
POSTSEASON: 4 GP | 1-0-1
AHL VETERAN YES
In his first extended AHL time since 2013-14, Andy Andreoff took on a very different role and took to it quite well. The limitations in his game that hamper him at the NHL level are manageable in the AHL, and he produced offensively as a bona fide power forward amid with a fleet-of-foot team.
DARREN ARCHIBALD | BELLEVILLE SENATORS
AGE: 29
REGULAR SEASON: 51 GP | 19-14-33
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
Darren Archibald needed a new home after years in the Vancouver Canucks organization. He got it with via the Ottawa Senators after a midseason trade and used the chance wisely. He has been a late-bloomer and shown something of an offensive touch in recent seasons.
STEVE BERNIER | BRIDGEPORT SOUND TIGERS
AGE: 34
REGULAR SEASON: 62 GP | 24-18-42
POSTSEASON: 5 GP | 1-1-2
AHL VETERAN: YES
Steve Bernier has plenty of wear on his tires at this stage of his career, but he has been able to keep pace with the increasingly speedy AHL game and stay at a top-six forward level on a good club.
ALEX BROADHURST | CLEVELAND MONSTERS
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 51 GP | 8-22-30
POSTSEASON: 8 GP | 1-1-2
AHL VETERAN: YES
Alex Broadhurst has been a fixture with Cleveland and remained with the Monsters even after being traded to the Winnipeg Jets.
CARTER CAMPER | GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS
AGE: 30
REGULAR SEASON: 67 GP | 17-33-50
POSTSEASON: 5 GP | 0-3-3
AHL VETERAN: YES
AHL CONTRACT
The well-travelled Carter Camper contributes wherever he goes.
GREG CAREY | LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS
AGE: 29
REGULAR SEASON: 74 GP | 29-32-61
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
Twenty-five goals from Greg Carey is a safe bet.
ERIK CONDRA | TEXAS STARS
AGE: 32
REGULAR SEASON: 71 GP | 20-34-54
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN YES
Erik Condra has rebuilt his career after a back issue. He took a new challenge in the Dallas Stars system this season and it went well. He made his first NHL appearance since the 2016-17 season and put up numbers for an up-and-down Texas club.
CHRIS CONNER | LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS
AGE: 35
REGULAR SEASON: 72 GP | 16-35-51
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
AHL CONTRACT
Even at his age, Chris Conner possesses some of the best wheels in the AHL.
ADAM CRACKNELL | SAN DIEGO GULLS
AGE: 33
REGULAR SEASON: 46 GP | 18-20-38
POSTSEASON: 15 GP | 7-9-16
AHL VETERAN: YES
Capable of getting very hot offensively, Adam Cracknell can be a perfect fit with a high-end prospect like he was with Maxime Comtois in San Diego. A big offseason signing for the Toronto Marlies, he landed with the Gulls instead as Toronto tried to sort out early-season troubles. He was excellent throughout in San Diego and had a standout postseason.
J-S DEA | SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS
AGE: 25
REGULAR SEASON: 46 GP | 17-27-44
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
Jean-Sebastien Dea got caught in the waiver-trade pinball game that afflicts many players at a similar career stage. He bounced between three different organizations and finished with mop-up time for a Thunderbirds team that was out of playoff contention.
GABRIEL DUMONT | SYRACUSE CRUNCH
AGE: 28
REGULAR SEASON: 71 GP | 20-23-43
POSTSEASON: 4 GP | 0-0-0
AHL VETERAN: YES
After a 2017-18 season interrupted by waivers, Gabriel Dumont had a strong performance in Syracuse.
BYRON FROESE | LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS
AGE: 28
REGULAR SEASON: 70 GP | 21-23-44
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
Byron Froese signed with the Montreal Canadiens in 2017 fresh off a dynamic run with the Syracuse Crunch. It looked like a legitimate NHL opportunity for Froese, who did play 48 games with the Habs in 2017-18 only to fall back to AHL status this season. He eventually was handed off to the Philadelphia Flyers in a trade and brought in to revive a Lehigh Valley team that slumped badly in the second half. He has been an AHL captain and is well-respected across the league.
TYLER GRAOVAC | STOCKTON HEAT
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 65 GP | 24-26-50
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
Tyler Graovac had a good bounce-back performance with the Heat and carried much of their offence.
JIMMY HAYES | WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS
AGE: 29
REGULAR SEASON: 72 GP | 15-15-30
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
After being an NHL regular early in his career, Jimmy Hayes has been on a downward trajectory.
KALLE KOSSILA | SAN DIEGO GULLS
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 44 GP | 14-21-35
POSTSEASON: 16 GP | 3-4-7
AHL VETERAN NO
Injuries slowed Kalle Kossila, but he can be a strong set-up man and play top-six AHL minutes.
MARK LETESTU | CLEVELAND MONSTERS
AGE: 34
REGULAR SEASON: 64 GP | 21-29-50
POSTSEASON: 8 GP | 3-2-5
AHL VETERAN: YES
A consummate pro, Mark Letestu brings 560 games of NHL experience with him. He can still produce offensively at the AHL level and provide valuable leadership.
PHILIPPE MAILLET | ONTARIO REIGN
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 68 GP | 16-38-54
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: NO
AHL CONTRACT
Ontario had very little going right this season, but Philippe Maillet was one of the Reign’s bright spots. Playing on an AHL contract, he set an Ontario franchise season record for assists and finished second in team scoring to NHL veteran Matt Moulson.
WADE MEGAN | GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS
AGE: 28
REGULAR SEASON: 48 GP | 19-18-37
POSTSEASON: 5 GP | 2-0-0
AHL VETERAN: YES
Wade Megan emerged as a go-to recall option for the Detroit Red Wings while also producing in Grand Rapids. His production can be streaky, but he would be a good fit with plenty of AHL clubs.
JAYSON MEGNA | HERSHEY BEARS
AGE: 29
REGULAR SEASON: 71 GP | 20-23-43
POSTSEASON: 9 GP | 4-4-8
AHL VETERAN: YES
After two seasons in the Vancouver Canucks organization, Jayson Megna found a good home with Hershey.
DANNY O’REGAN | ROCHESTER AMERICANS
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON :70 GP | 20-28-48
POSTSEASON: 3 GP | 0-0-0
AHL VETERAN: NO
Danny O’Regan has not always ended up in the best situations. His standout rookie AHL season came in the San Jose Sharks organization, where NHL opportunities are few and far between. Then he moved to the Buffalo Sabres, did not show particularly well at the NHL level with a bad team, and spent all but one game in the AHL this season.
BLAKE PIETILA | BINGHAMTON DEVILS
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 50 GP | 20-26-46
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: NO
Blake Pietila broke loose in his fourth pro season. Could there be more there?
MATT READ | IOWA WILD
AGE: 33
REGULAR SEASON: 61 GP | 16-27-43
POSTSEASON: 10 GP | 3-5-8
AHL VETERAN: YES
Matt Read owns 449 games of regular-season NHL experience. His career is on the post-30 side, but he still can contribute.
COLE SCHNEIDER | MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS
AGE: 28
REGULAR SEASON: 60 GP | 23-24-47
POSTSEASON: 5 GP | 0-2-2
Captaining the Hartford Wolf Pack has been a bad omen for players lately – the parent New York Rangers have shipped out the past four Hartford captains in midseason trades. Cole Schneider became the latest player to join that group, but it rescued him from a losing situation. He went to Milwaukee and had a productive finish to help push the Admirals into the Calder Cup Playoffs.
GEMEL SMITH | PROVIDENCE BRUINS
AGE: 25
REGULAR SEASON: 47 GP | 16-24-40
POSTSEASON: 2 GP | 0-0-0
VETERAN VETERAN: EXEMPT
Gemel Smith had seemingly established himself at the NHL level with the Dallas Stars only to fall out of favour there. He went to the Boston Bruins before going to Providence, where he proceeded to put together a strong season and salvage something from it. He still has plenty of NHL possibility.
JORDAN SZWARZ | PROVIDENCE BRUINS
AGE: 28
REGULAR SEASON: 68 GP | 23-23-46
POSTSEASON: 4 GP | 3-0-3
AHL VETERAN: YES
Jordan Szwarz led the P-Bruins amid frequent changes to their line-up. He is a proven 20-goal scorer at the AHL level.
ERIC TANGRADI | BINGHAMTON DEVILS
AGE: 30
REGULAR SEASON: 41 GP | 10-14-24
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
Much like Carr, Eric Tangradi took a chance with a new organization and headed to the New Jersey Devils. Injury held him back with a poor Binghamton club, but he still produced. He has worked on re-inventing his game and making improved foot speed a bigger part of his game. His easygoing personality makes him comfortable fit on an AHL roster.
COREY TROPP | SAN DIEGO GULLS
AGE: 29
REGULAR SEASON: 55 GP | 20-20-40
POSTSEASON: 15 GP | 4-2-6
AHL VETERAN: YES
AHL CONTRACT
Corey Tropp plays a physical game and did a little bit of everything for the Gulls.
NEW HOME NEEDED
DANIEL AUDETTE | LAVAL ROCKET
AGE: 23
REGULAR SEASON: 71 GP | 14-25-39
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: NO
Daniel Audette got a bit lost in the Montreal Canadiens system, but he is still young enough to have some intrigue to him.
JUSTIN BAILEY | LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS
AGE: 23
REGULAR SEASON: 54 GP | 15-13-28
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN VETERAN: EXEMPT
Perhaps a bit surprisingly, the parent Philadelphia Flyers did not qualify Justin Bailey after acquiring him from the Buffalo Sabres organization midseason. Once a higher-end prospect, inconsistency has been an issue for him. That said, he still has shown enough promise that he should not be a write-off yet.
BRENDAN GAUNCE | UTICA COMETS
AGE: 25
REGULAR SEASON: 57 GP | 23-20-43
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN VETERAN: EXEMPT
A new start is badly needed for Brendan Gaunce, selected by the parent Vancouver Canucks as the 26th pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. He put up solid enough numbers for the Comets but played a career-low three NHL games this season.
TANNER KERO | UTICA COMETS
AGE: 24
REGULAR SEASON: 64 GP | 24-33-57
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: NO
One of the few signs of life for a moribund Comets team, Tanner Kero never got a shot with the Vancouver Canucks. He has yet to find a role for himself at the NHL level, but he is an elite AHL point-producing option. He did manage 47 NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2016-17, so at the very least he can be a fill-in option from an NHL standpoint.
NICK LAPPIN | BINGHAMTON DEVILS
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 56 GP | 19-15-34
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: NO
Nick Lappin has consistently produced in the AHL, done very little at the NHL level, and now it is time to see what a new organization could for him.
CURTIS LAZAR | STOCKTON HEAT
AGE: 24
REGULAR SEASON: 57 GP | 20-21-41
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN VETERAN: EXEMPT
Curtiz Lazar’s bizarre development path settled down in his fifth pro season when he finally received sustained AHL time to work on the areas of his game that had stalled while he sat on the bench in the NHL as a teenager. He put that time to good use, playing in all situations and taking a leadership role in Stockton. He brings one of the best attitudes in pro hockey and has put a concerted effort into sanding down the many edges in his game that he brought with him.
KERBY RYCHEL | STOCKTON HEAT
AGE: 24
REGULAR SEASON: 60 GP | 16-22-38
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: YES
Kerby Rychel, the 19th pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, already has had several fresh starts and now has been in four NHL organizations in five pro seasons. The parent Calgary Flames only used him in two games this season and then did not qualify him. He also has crossed the veteran threshold at a young age, another challenge for trying to find a good opportunity this summer.
MIKE VECCHIONE | LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS
AGE: 26
REGULAR SEASON: 67 GP | 15-23-38
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: NO
Mike Vecchione came out of Union College to some fanfare in 2017. He has established himself as a solid two-way AHL forward, but he got lost amid the chaos of the parent Philadelphia Flyers these past two seasons.
NATHAN WALKER | HERSHEY BEARS
AGE: 25
REGULAR SEASON: 58 GP | 17-22-39
POSTSEASON: 9 GP | 1-4-5
AHL VETERAN: YES
Nathan Walker brings rambunctious energy on a regular basis and has developed some solid scoring touch through his career as well. It is clear that his future is not with the Washington Capitals, however.
POTENTIAL BARGAINS
DAVE GUST | BAKERSFIELD CONDORS
AGE: 25
REGULAR SEASON: 59 GP | 18-15-33
POSTSEASON: 10 GP | 0-3-3
AHL VETERAN: NO
AHL CONTRACT
Dave Gust turned pro out of Ohio State and showed potential with the Condors.
MICHAEL JOLY | COLORADO EAGLES
AGE: 24
REGULAR SEASON: 47 GP | 15-15-30
POSTSEASON: 4 GP | 0-0-0
AHL VETERAN: NO
AHL CONTRACT
After an impressive ECHL performance, Michael Joly showed that he could hold his own at the AHL level across a full season.
ANTHONY LOUIS | ROCKFORD ICEHOGS
AGE: 24
REGULAR SEASON: 74 GP | 12-22-34
POSTSEASON: N/A
AHL VETERAN: NO
Anthony Louis displayed potential in his first two pro seasons. It was rather surprising that the Chicago Blackhawks chose not to qualify him.
TYE MCGINN | CHICAGO WOLVES
AGE: 29
REGULAR SEASON: 62 GP | 12-6-18
POSTSEASON: 22 GP | 6-7-13
AHL VETERAN: YES
AHL CONTRACT
Tye McGinn could write an AHL travel book, but he found a good situation with the Wolves after a trade from the Manitoba Moose. He went on to play key minutes for the Wolves, was entrusted with being a linemate for Vegas Golden Knights top prospect Cody Glass, and finished with a top-notch playoff performance.
Other options: Kenny Agostino (New Jersey Devils); Chase Balisy (Belleville Senators); Nick Baptiste (Toronto Marlies); Mitch Callahan (Bakersfield Condors); Colin Campbell (Grand Rapids Griffins); Kyle Criscuolo (Rochester Americans); Marko Dano (Manitoba Moose); Cam Darcy (Utica Comets); Phil Di Giuseppe (Milwaukee Admirals); Bobby Farnham (Springfield Thunderbirds); Landon Ferraro (Iowa Wild); Gabriel Gagne (Toronto Marlies); Tyler Gaudet (Milwaukee Admirals); Felix Girard (Manitoba Moose); Alexandre Grenier (Laval Rocket); Colton Hargrove (Texas Stars); Adam Helewka (Milwaukee Admirals); T.J. Hensick (San Jose Barracuda); Derek Hulak (Grand Rapids Griffins); Luke Johnson (Rockford IceHogs); Justin Kirkland (Milwaukee Admirals); Scott Kosmachuk (Colorado Eagles; since traded to Washington Capitals); Tobias Lindberg (Chicago Wolves); Joel Lowry (Springfield Thunderbirds); Colin Markison (Texas Stars); Stefan Matteau (Chicago Wolves); Max McCormick (Colorado Eagles); Colin McDonald (Lehigh Valley Phantoms); Mark McNeill (Providence Bruins); Zack Mitchell (Ontario Reign); Travis Morin (Texas Stars); Matt Moulson (Ontario Reign); Julien Nantel (Colorado Eagles); Zach Nastasiuk (Charlotte Checkers); Nick Schilkey (Charlotte Checkers); Ryan Schmelzer (Binghamton Devils); Ben Sexton (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins); Hunter Shinkaruk (Laval Rocket); Tyler Sikura (Rockford IceHogs); Wayne Simpson (Rochester Americans); Zack Stortini (Charlotte Checkers); Adam Tambellini (Belleville Senators); Ben Thomson (San Diego Gulls); Ryan White (Manitoba Moose); Harry Zolnierczyk (Springfield Thunderbirds)