Minor Transactions: 08/09/18

The NHL is still waiting on a transaction this week, but other leagues are busy making moves. We’ll keep track of some of the minor dealings right here.

• After being traded just yesterday, Sergey Kalinin has inked a four-year contract with CSKA Moscow of the KHL, likely meaning any chance of an NHL return is over for the veteran forward. Now 27, Kalinin played 121 games for the New Jersey Devils and 19 with the Toronto Marlies before returning to Russia last season, and would have to make quite the impact in order to garner any NHL interest in four years.
• Johnny Austin has signed an AHL contract with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, after playing just a few minor league games with the Laval Rocket last season. Austin spent four years at the University of Connecticut, where he led all defensemen in scoring in 2017-18 with 19 points in 35 games. The 23-year old is undersized, but should give the AHL Penguins another powerplay option this season.
• Matt Lane, another undersized offensive college player, has signed an AHL contract with the Milwaukee Admirals. The 24-year old forward has played the majority of the last two seasons in the ECHL, where he recorded 25 points in 59 games last year. A gold medalist at the 2012 U18 World Championships with USA Hockey, Lane is trying to get to the next level in professional hockey after a solid career with Boston University.
• Andrew Crescenzi is headed to the EBEL next season, where he will suit up for HC Bolzano out of Italy. After playing many years in the minor leagues including the last several in the Los Angeles Kings organization, Crescenzi made his NHL debut in a two-game stint during the 2017-18 season. Unfortunately held scoreless, he’ll take his talents to Italy where he may be able to use his huge frame and physicality more effectively.