Even as many players lose their shots at an NHL roster spot across the league, via waivers and reassignment, positive moves are being made as well, giving others a second chance or new opportunity ahead of the 2018-19 season. Follow along with some smaller transactions around the hockey world right here:
- It’s the first NHL call-up of the season and it’s not a minor one, either. The San Jose Sharks have recalled 14 players from San Jose Barracuda’s camp, the team announced. Nine forwards and five defenseman will re-join training camp and, likely the main purpose of the promotion, will take part in the team’s road game against the Calgary Flames tonight. San Jose entered camp initially with very few if any real position battles and likely have their lineup sorted out with the regular season set to open next week. Rather than tire out their veterans with a trip back and forth to Alberta, they’ll let the kids go instead. Regardless, it is a great experience for some of the younger players who were dejected at already being demoted to the AHL.
- As indicated by his unexpected waiver placement earlier, Ryan Haggerty has signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 25-year-old two-way forward has been a member of the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for the past two years and signed an extension to return this season. However, as an invite to NHL camp, Haggerty did enough to earn a bump up to a two-way contract. CapFriendly did some digging after Haggerty was put on waivers and found that the has signed a two-year deal worth an average of $675K at the NHL level. Haggerty is expected to return to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, but could be a useful bottom-six depth piece for the Penguins this year.
- After clearing unconditional waivers yesterday, recently released former Anaheim Duck Julius Nattinen has already found a new home. The young center, a second-round pick in 2015, struggled greatly in the AHL last season, recording just 12 points as a first-year pro. The Athletic’s Eric Stephens reported that Nattinen did not plan to report to the San Diego Gulls again this season, leading to his termination. He will now return home to Finland, as Liiga club JYP has announced a three-year contract with Nattinen. The 21-year-old forward will try to get his career back on track overseas, but likely has burned his bridges in the NHL with a quick exit from the Ducks’ system.