Last summer, defenseman Nathan Clurman signed with Montreal, hoping that he might have a better pathway to NHL playing time. However, that didn’t materialize and instead of testing his luck in July, he has opted to take a different path, as SHL Rogle announced that they’ve signed him to a one-year deal for next season.
The 28-year-old was originally a sixth-round pick by Colorado back in 2016, going 161st overall. He spent four years in their minor league system, splitting time between the ECHL and AHL but never getting a chance with the Avs.
In 2024, he joined the Penguins on a one-year deal through Group Six free agency and was at least able to make his NHL debut, getting into one game with Pittsburgh. Injuries limited him to just 31 games in the minors, however, where he had 11 points so it was one-and-done before he signed with the Canadiens last July.
Clurman was able to stay healthier during the regular season compared to recent years as his 60 games played with AHL Laval was a career high. He managed one goal and ten assists in those outings but then was injured at playoff time, not seeing any action in their second-round loss to Toronto.
While Clurman still qualifies as a developmental player by AHL standards (meaning he wouldn’t count against a team’s veteran limit despite his age), it’s not entirely surprising that he has opted to try his hand overseas. He had a $140K guaranteed salary in his deal with Montreal but given that he has settled in as more of a depth player in the AHL, his best shot at taking a step forward might be by going to another league. Then, if things go well, Clurman could have a case to return to North America next season with a higher spot on a depth chart.