Checking out the latest signings in this Sunday Ramblings…
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For half the fan bases out there right now, one of the only saving graces of the end of the season is watching as prospects get officially signed to their organizations. The kids are being bet on to be part of their team's future, so if you're that die-hard know-it-all super-fan, this may ease the pain of a non-playoff year a bit. And for the fan bases who get both playoffs and new signings, enjoy having it all while you do! Let's get to the players signing contracts since our last Ramblings:
Philidelphia Flyers win the Mike Vecchione sweepstakes
The Hobey Baker finalist signed only a one-year contract, and becomes an RFA if he plays this season. 63 points in 38 NCAA games is no small feat, and if the 24-year-old has a little weight to help make up for his small stature. Having scorers in the organization is never a bad thing, let's see if he can translate his game (and these nerves of steel) to the next level.
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Carolina Hurricane sign Warren Foegele and Spencer Smallman.
I've had the pleasure of watching Foegele a few times as a former Kingston-ite, and the 6-02 forward can pull his weight. Moderate success in NCAA, nearly a point-per-game as an OHL rookie, then a point-per-game this season despite a trade. He will report to the AHL next season and add to talented lineup.
Smallman will move on from captaining the QMJHL Sea Dogs after recording his best year yet with 30 goals and 49 assists. The 6-01, 200 lb forward should hve the build to fit into the pro lineup when he eventually reports to the AHL.
Ottawa Senators ink Marcus Hogberg
Do not sleep on this signing. The Sens have alot of "meh" prospects in the crease but Hogberg has some real starter potential. Not only did he sign an ELC, he also signed a professional tryout agreement to play with the baby Sens in the AHL for the remainder of the season. His SV% in Sweden has always been fine, but it jumped to outstanding this year with 0.923 over 33 games in the SHL.
San Jose signs Nick DeSimone
Puck-moving d-men are in style, and the Sharks hooked one in DeSimone. The 22-year-old will finish the season in the AHL. His offensive totals haven't notably grown over the last two NCAA campaigns, and at 6-02, 190 lbs is a bit on the slender side, but the AHL is a developmental league and San Jose will try to mold a useful professional.
Washington Capitols commit to Garrett Pilon
The former third-round pick had a strong season with Kamloops of the WHL, nearly hitting the point-per-game mark and getting rewarded for it. The centerman will hopefully bring some playmaking to the Hershey Bears as soon as his post-season finishes.
Winnipeg Jets pick up Tucker Poolman
This is an interesting signing in that Poolman will not immediately play for anyone. He is receiving two shoulder surgeries, with the hope (but not guarantee) of reporting to training camp in the summer. If healthy, the Jets may have a serious fantasy asset in the 6-04, 216 lb defender who put up 30 points in 38 NCAA contests.
Buffalo Sabres sign CJ Smith
Smith has developed a reputation as a strong 2-way forward, called "dependable" and "responsble" by NCAA coach Bazin. That being said, he still netted 23 goals, leading the squad for the third straight year. He makes his Sabres debut today, so he could bring some immediate fantasy help to anyone in deep deep leagues still ongoing.
NY Islanders add Tanner Fritz
Fritz is a fantastic story of neer giving up on your dream. Undrafted. 4 Years of NCAA without a contract despite being a leading scorer, and on his second ATO, this time with AHL Bridgeport. He has managed not only to stick around all year on that contract, but be the team's second-highest scorer. He is not currently fantasy worthy, but has become a name to notice in the Isles organization.
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Only one first NHL goal to show you this week. Plays like this always look like sure-things, but just remember that in the back of players minds they know every missed chance is adding up to them no longer being given a chance. Good on Acciari for getting the job done.
{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First NHL goal! ? <a href="https://t.co/DjLg5ltlPC">pic.twitter.com/DjLg5ltlPC</a></p>— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/846905029650984960">March 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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As always, thank you for readings, and best of luck in the twilight of your 2016-17 fantasy hockey seasons!
Hayden Soboleski
@soboleskih