We got word on two arbitration decisions today and saw another settle before the hearing, taking three restricted free agents off the market in Mark Stone, Cody Ceci and Gemel Smith. Troy Brouwer replaced one of those names on the free agent list by being bought out, but other former NHL players have signed around the world. We’ll keep track of some of the minor moves right here:
- Dwight King, a veteran of 365 NHL games, has signed in Austria for the 2018-19 season according to his agency 37 Hockey. King spent last year in the KHL where he registered 14 points in 49 games, but will try to take advantage of a lower league this time around. The 29-year old was once a 15-goal player for the Los Angeles Kings en route to a Stanley Cup, but couldn’t make much of an impact over the last few years.
- Yannick Veilleux has signed a one-year deal with the Rochester Americans after spending last season with the Montreal Canadiens organization. Veilleux is still waiting to make his NHL debut, but will join a Rochester team that is looking to compete for the Calder Cup this season. Originally selected in the fourth round by the St. Louis Blues, Veilleux has never been quite able to fulfill his potential as an offensive power forward.
- Chad Rau, who has spent the last two seasons in the KHL has now moved onto his fourth team in the league by signing with HC Bratislava. Rau played nine games for the Minnesota Wild back in 2011-12, but never could replicate the success he found during his time in the NCAA.
I hope King gets 35 more games in.