The Vegas Golden Knights have added a depth option to the mix up front. The team has announced a one-year deal with young journeyman forward Danny O’Regan. The contract carries the NHL minimum $700K salary. It is assumed that this is a two-way contract, but AHL salary figures were not disclosed.
O’Regan, 26, is already onto the fourth NHL organization of his young pro career and is still seeking some real opportunity. A San Jose draft pick who starred at Boston University, O’Regan played his first season and part of his second with the Sharks. He put up impressive numbers in the AHL both years and by the time he was dealt had earned 19 games with the Sharks in the 2017-18 season. Yet, when he was traded away to the rebuilding Buffalo Sabres, he was inexplicably buried in the minors rather than given more opportunity. O’Regan played in just three NHL games over a season and a half with Buffalo. He left the team as a Group 6 UFA last season, signing with the New York Rangers. The Rangers also felt O’Regan wasn’t worthy of NHL opportunity and he did not make an appearance at the top level last year.
Yet, O’Regan continues to produce in the minors and has been in demand as a free agent. The Golden Knights are a relatively deep club at forward, but their AHL depth might be even better. With a number of experienced pros and promising prospects on the newly-minted Henderson Silver Knights, O’Regan may struggle to stand out. However, if he can find a way to out-produce his teammates, he should find the chance to play in Vegas this year.