Christian Ehrhoff Signs In Germany

Unrestricted free agent defenseman Christian Ehrhoff has signed a one year contract with Kolner Haie of the DEL, the German team announced (link in German).  Ehrhoff was most recently with the Boston Bruins in training camp but declined a contract offer from the team according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie (links to Twitter) when he learned he would be starting the season as a scratch.

Ehrhoff split last season between Los Angeles and Chicago and spent much of the year in a reserve role, something he didn’t want to repeat again this season which was a key reason why Boston’s offer was declined.  Between the Kings and Blackhawks last year, he played in 48 games, collecting 12 points (2-10-12) while playing 15:29 per game, his lowest average since his rookie season back in 2003-04.  He also suited up for Team Europe at the World Cup of Hockey last month, picking up three assists in six games during their surprising run to the finals.

If this is the end of the road for Ehrhoff in terms of playing in the NHL, he’ll leave with 789 games played between the Sharks, Canucks, Sabres, Penguins, Kings, and Blackhawks.  He has 74 goals and 265 assists in his career.

Although he won’t be suiting up in the NHL this season, Ehrhoff will still be getting paid this year from Buffalo.  The Sabres bought out his 12 year deal back in 2014 and as a result, they will be paying the 34 year old just over $857K per year from now through 2027-28.  The team won’t be charged with a cap hit during that time as he was one of their cap-exempt ‘amnesty’ buyouts following the most recent lockout.