The AHL remains a hotbed of activity as teams actively maneuver during this bustling offseason. From signing intriguing prospects passed over by NHL teams to adding seasoned veterans, AHL organizations are diligently fortifying their rosters, providing crucial support to their NHL affiliates. Today marks yet another day of action across the league, building upon the flurry of acquisitions witnessed in recent days. Here’s a compilation of all the notable moves that unfolded today as teams shape their squads in preparation for the upcoming season.
- Forward Gabriel Bourque has reached an agreement with the Laval Rocket, the affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, on a one-year, one-way contract for the 2023-24 season. The 32-year-old, standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 200 pounds, tied for ninth on Laval in scoring last season, notching 14 goals and 17 assists in 66 games. Given his status as the oldest and most experienced skater on the roster, Bourque assumed the role of captain for the Rocket from February 2023 through the Calder Cup playoffs after Montreal recalled then-captain Alex Belzile to finish the season in the NHL. With 413 NHL games and 321 AHL games under his belt in his career, the seasoned winger is set to embark on his third consecutive season with the Rocket after not suiting up during the 2020-21 campaign.
- The Hartford Wolf Pack, the affiliate of the New York Rangers, has announced the signing of defenseman Seth Barton and forward Drew Worrad to one-year contracts. Both players spent last season in the Detroit Red Wings organization, mainly with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Barton, 23, recorded two goals and three assists in 36 AHL games and two goals and six assists in ten games for the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye. He shone through in Toledo in the 2023 Kelly Cup Playoffs, impressing with 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) in 13 games. Selected 81st overall in the third round of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Red Wings, Barton has now amassed 12 career points (three goals, nine assists) in 60 AHL games over the past three seasons.
- Meanwhile, Worrad, 26, also split his time between the Griffins and the Walleye in the 2022-23 season. In 47 AHL games, he contributed just two goals and two assists but excelled in the ECHL with 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 25 games. Like Barton, Worrad continued to post solid numbers with Toledo in the Kelly Cup Playoffs, amassing five goals and three assists in 13 games.
This page will be updated throughout the day.