Even with the recent signings of Evgeni Dadonov, Radim Vrbata and others the Florida Panthers are still short several forwards. Today, they added a potential name to that group with the signing of Alexandre Grenier to a one-year, two-way deal. The former Vancouver Canucks forward is an excellent AHL scorer but has been held scoreless in his nine career NHL games.
Just 25, Grenier was a Group VI free agent this summer and allowed to sign with anyone in the league. The third-round pick from 2011 had another 45-point season for Utica, and can absolutely manhandle players on the ice when competing his best. The team will hope they’ve found another—though much different sized—Jonathan Marchessault, after the 30-goal season he put up on an extremely cheap contract.
- The Vegas Golden Knights have signed Oscar Dansk to a one-year, two-way deal according to Mike Kelly of the NHL Network. The Golden Knights needed to add some depth goaltending for their minor league affiliates, and after Dansk didn’t receive a qualifying offer from the Blue Jackets he was a prime candidate. Dansk was a second-round pick of the Blue Jackets in 2012, but returned to Sweden after one unsuccessful season in the minor leagues. After two better—but not outstanding—seasons with Rogle, he’ll likely return to play for the Chicago Wolves, Vegas’ new AHL affiliate. Still just 23, he has a long way to go to make an impact at the NHL level.
- Rob Zettler has been named the replacement for Bob Boughner as assistant coach of the San Jose Sharks. Zettler had most recently been the head coach of the Syracuse Crunch, though was fired after missing the playoffs in 2015-16. He previously worked in the NHL with the Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs, two teams he also suited up for in his long playing career. In 569 career games, the defenseman registered 70 points in 920 penalty minutes, only making it to the playoffs for a handful of games. He’ll look to get back there with a San Jose team primed to make another Cup run next year, despite losing Patrick Marleau this summer.
- The Edmonton Oilers have signed Brad Malone to a two-year contract. The 28-year old forward split last season between the Chicago Wolves and Hershey Bears, unable to crack the NHL lineup in Washington or St. Louis. In 176 career games, Malone has 30 points and 188 penalty minutes. He’s likely ticketed for Bakersfield, where he’ll add some depth down the middle to the AHL squad.