Joseph invited to Hlinka Gretzky Cup camp

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Saint John Sea Dogs forward Alexis Joseph has been invited to Hockey Canada's under-18 team training camp ahead of the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

The invite comes as no surprise given that Joseph has represented Canada at both the under-17 and under-18 levels already. The 17-year-old appeared in just two games as an underager with Team Canada at the IIHF U18 World Championship this spring.

Just 27 players were invited to the camp and Joseph, who is one of the top prospects for the 2027 NHL Draft, is essentially a lock to make the team. The roster also includes Landon DuPont, who is considered the top-ranked prospect.

According to Hockey Canada's release, "of the 27 players, 25 suited up for Canada Red or Canada White at the U17 World Challenge, one player won a bronze medal at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup (DuPont) and one represented Canada at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship (Joseph)."

Six QMJHL players earned invites: forwards Joseph, Malik L’Italien (Halifax Mooseheads) and forward Benjamin Veitch (Newfoundland Regiment); defenseman Quinn Norman (Newfoundland Regiment); and goaltenders Sam Berthiaume (Cape Breton Eagles) and Mathys Fortin (Drummondville Voltigeurs).

The annual Hlinka Gretzky Cup will take place Aug. 3-8 at Edmonton's Rogers Place and the attached Downtown Community Arena.

Canada opens the tournament against Switzerland on Aug. 3 followed by Slovakia on Aug. 4 and Sweden on Aug. 5. Playoff rounds take place Aug. 7-8.

Hulton named to WJC coaching staff

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Jim Hulton has been named one of Team Canada's assistant coaches for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship.

The Saint John Sea Dogs bench boss will work under head coach Misha Donskov. From Hockey Canada's news release:

Hulton was named head coach of the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) last month, after 11 seasons as head coach of the QMJHL’s Charlottetown Islanders. He has represented Canada six times over the course of his career, starting with his debut as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team at the 2001 Six Nations Cup. He made his head coaching debut for Canada at the 2003 Junior World Cup, before helping Canada to a World Juniors silver medal in 2004 and a gold medal in 2005 as an assistant coach. He also represented Canada as associate head coach at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games and was an assistant coach at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship. Hulton has also served in various coaching capacities with the North Bay Centennials (1998), Mississauga IceDogs (1998-00), Belleville Bulls (2000-03), Kingston Frontenacs (2003-06), Royal Military College (2007), St. Michael’s Majors (2008), Florida Panthers (2008-10) and Tri-City Storm (2013-15).

Drew Bannister (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Brad Lauer (Spokane Chiefs) and Ryan Getzlaf were also named assistant coaches.

Canada’s National Junior Team will begin preparations for the tournament at the World Junior Summer Showcase, which will take place July 26 to Aug. 1 in Windsor.

The 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship will be held in Edmonton and Red Deer this winter.

Howard commits to Merrimack

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Ryan Howard has committed to the NCAA's Merrimack College Warriors.

Howard, who was traded to the Saint John Sea Dogs in June, made the announcement on Instagram Thursday. The 18-year-old forward confirmed that he'll begin attending the Hockey East school following the completion of his junior career.

"I am proud and honoured to announce my commitment to play D1 hockey and further my education at Merrimack College following my time in junior," wrote Howard. "A huge thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way!"

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Howard and defenseman Thomas Charbonneau were traded to the Sea Dogs last month. Howard has spent the previous two years of his QMJHL career with the Quebec Remparts, posting 12 goals and 19 assists in 124 regular season games.

Last season, Howard registered nine goals and 11 assists in 62 games. He added two goals in eight playoff games.

Merrimack, based near Lowell in North Andover, Mass., is not a college hockey heavyweight but is coming off an exciting 2025-26 campaign. The Warriors entered the Hockey East Tournament as the eighth-seed and went on to win their first conference title. They became the first eight seed to win the tournament.

Armada sold to American businessman

The Blainville-Boisbriand Armada are staying in the Montreal area – at least for now.

The QMJHL announced Tuesday that the Armada have been sold to John Moreland, "an American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist from Irvine, California."

The league's press release notes that Moreland "intends to keep the franchise in Boisbriand." But given that Moreland is an American, the Armada's many years of attendance struggles and the QMJHL's desire to put a franchise(s) back in the United States, speculation of relocation likely won't be going away.

The Armada averaged 2,406 fans per game last season, the fifth fewest in the QMJHL. It's the first time the franchise surpassed the 2,000 average since 2019-20.

The Armada have been in Boisbriand since the 2011-12 season but have struggled to build a sizeable fan base given the crowded market they play in. The AHL's Laval Rocket play 20 minutes away.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank the Armada’s outgoing ownership group, consisting of Pierre Gendron, Jean-François Trudeau, Québecor, Stéphane Brien, Jean-Sébastien Giguère, Joël Bouchard, Ian Laperrière, Jason Pominville, Daniel Brière, Knapper, and Benoit Villemaire,” said QMJHL commissioner Mario Cecchini in the release. “The Armada made significant progress under their leadership in the highly competitive entertainment market of the Greater Montreal area. Mr. Gendron and Mr. Trudeau were always present and actively involved during the League’s Assembly of the Members meetings, and they made a tremendous contribution to the growth of both the Armada and the QMJHL. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Joël Bouchard, who has always had the Armada’s best interests at heart. 

“A new chapter begins today, and I would like to thank and welcome John Moreland, a true hockey enthusiast who will help raise the Armada’s standards across the board.”

Despite the attendance struggles, the Armada have delivered a strong product on the ice, playing in the third-round of the QMJHL playoffs five times and the league final twice.

Blainville-Boisbriand is likely to struggle this coming season after making a run this past year – which isn't going to help fan interest or silence any speculation of a move.

Williams invited to U17 camp

Vincent Éthier/QMJHL

Lawrence Williams has been invited to Hockey Canada’s national under-17 development camp, which is set to take place July 17-21 in Oakville, ON.

Williams, who was drafted 14th overall by the Saint John Sea Dogs in June's QMJHL Entry Draft, was one of 80 players to earn invites. 

The roster is made up of eight goaltenders, 24 defensemen and 48 forwards. 20 of the invitees were drafted into the QMJHL.

The camp is the first step in evaluating players for the 2026 U17 World Challenge, which is scheduled for Nov. 1-7 in Oakville. Canada will have two teams in the event once again this year.

Williams spent last season playing under-18 hockey with the Weeks Major Midgets where he posted 10 goals and 28 assists in 32 regular season games. He added a goal and six assists in 14 playoff games.

The Sea Dogs have been well represented in the U17 World Challenge over the years. Last year in Truro, Sea Dogs forward Alexis Joseph captained Canada Red to a gold medal. Joseph finished the tournament with six goals and five assists, placing him second in tournament scoring and in a tie for the lead in goals.

Notebook: Poirier signs in Germany

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Jeremie Poirier is heading overseas.

The former Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman has signed with Adler Mannheim of the DEL, Germany's highest level of professional hockey. The club announced the signing on Thursday.

The 24-year-old has spent his entire professional career in the AHL, mostly with the Calgary Wranglers. Poirier was traded to the Texas Stars this past season.

Adler verpflichten Jérémie Poirier ✍️

🔗 https://t.co/e8hZAUwENl

Der 24-jährige Kanadier wechselt aus der nordamerikanischen AHL in die @DELoffiziell und erhält bei den Adlern die Rückennummer 54.#AdlerMannheim #PENNYDEL #Eishockey #Hockey #DEL #Mannheim #MERC #Summer pic.twitter.com/t8ZnztYsCd

— Adler Mannheim (@adlermannheim) July 9, 2026

In 51 games split between the Wranglers and Stars in 2025-26, Poirier posted five goals and 11 assists. He leaves North America having recorded 22 goals and 90 assists in 214 regular season AHL games. He had another three goals and nine assists in 17 playoff contests.

Poirier was a third-round pick of the Calgary Flames in the 2020 NHL Draft but never got into an NHL game. He spent four seasons with Saint John and helped the club win the 2022 Memorial Cup.

SPADAFORE SIGNS WITH FLAMES

Jordan Spadafore is returning to Saint John.

The former Sea Dogs defenseman has signed with the Saint John Flames of the Beausejour Senior Hockey League for the 2026-27 season, the club announced last week. 

The 25-year-old spent parts of two seasons with the Sea Dogs. He also played with the Rimouski Oceanic and Val-d'Or Foreurs during his QMJHL career.

Spadafore played a couple seasons at Nipissing University in North Bay before turning pro in 2023-24. He spent a season with the SPHL's Evansville Thunderbolts before signing with the Milton Keynes Lightning of the National Ice Hockey League, the second-tier of pro hockey in Great Britain. He has played the past two seasons overseas.

So far, along with Spadafore, the Flames will feature former Sea Dogs Nick Blagden, Zach Alchorn and Kiefer Lyons.

Video: Joseph shows off shootout skills

QMJHL

Saint John Sea Dogs forward Alexis Joseph showed off some impressive shootout skills this weekend at the Make Your Move event in Boisbriand.

According to its website, those who attended the 2026 Make Your Move event would "experience the most electric night of the summer. A shootout-only event featuring elite players, influencers, and unreal creativity."

The QMJHL Stars team consisted of Joseph, Maddox Dagenais, Justin Carbonneau, Kyan Labbé and Nathan Quinn.

Obviously, Alexis Joseph would score on that move! 🔥@SJSeaDogs pic.twitter.com/agS2RHSAZr

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) July 11, 2026

He's unbelievable!!! 🤯🤯🤯

Having done so earlier today, Alexis Joseph strikes again at Make Your Move Hockey! Wow! 🔥

@SJSeaDogs pic.twitter.com/YkfeHVHok3

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) July 12, 2026

Rewatch the best moments of the Open Category final at Make Your Move Hockey with our camera! 🎥

The QMJHL Stars, featuring Alexis Joseph, Maddox Dagenais, Justin Carbonneau, Kyan Labbé and Nathan Quinn, took the win! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/bUgxBTw62K

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) July 12, 2026

The Sea Dogs did not take part in any shootouts this past season, so we've yet to see Joseph's skill set in the breakaway contest.

According to the league, the QMJHL Stars won the open category.

A number of former QMJHL stars were also in attendance, including former Sea Dogs forward William Dufour.

McFadden signs with USHL's Steel

Saint John Sea Dogs prospect Brian McFadden has signed a standard player development agreement with the USHL's Chicago Steel, the team announced Friday.

The 18-year-old defenseman was recently selected in the fifth-round of this year's NHL Draft by the Washington Capitals.

Listed at 6'5" and 183 lbs, McFadden just completed his second and final season with Thayer Academy. In 29 games with the US prep school last season, McFadden, the team's captain, recorded two goals and 15 assists.

Signed on the dotted line 🖊️

Washington Capitals draft pick Brian McFadden has signed his USHL SPDA for the 2026-27 season 🤝 #ChicagoHockey #USHL pic.twitter.com/25XP8fmLeJ

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) July 10, 2026

McFadden was a seventh-round pick of Saint John in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft. He appeared in one pre-season game with the Sea Dogs last year before being amongst the second round of cuts from the team's training camp roster.

“It was an unreal feeling. We’re just so thankful that we can all be here.”

Brian McFadden on his reaction to being drafted by the Capitals and describes his style of play as a 6-foot-5 defenseman.#CapsDevCamp pic.twitter.com/iA8vsMFrXT

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 30, 2026

While it seems unlikely that McFadden will join the Sea Dogs this season, there is still a chance he could play for the team down the road – and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the USHL from prep school hockey. He is committed to Northeastern University.

Sea Dogs add another assistant

Soo Greyhounds

The Saint John Sea Dogs have rounded out their coaching staff for the 2026-27 season.

Joining Jim Hulton's staff will be Daniel Nikandrov, who will be an assistant coach with the Sea Dogs. The team made the announcement on Thursday.

“We are pleased to welcome Danny to the Sea Dogs,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie in a release. “He came highly recommended as a player’s coach who builds strong relationships and connects well with young athletes. Having served as a captain during his OHL career, he understands what it takes to compete at this level. Danny was excited about the opportunity to return to the East Coast, and we believe he’ll be an outstanding fit alongside Jim, Guy, and the rest of our coaching staff.”

Nikandrov, 31, spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Prior to that he spent a season as an assistant at StFX University and three other seasons as an assistant at York University.

York is where Nikandrov's playing days ended. His junior career saw him play with the OHL's Sarnia Sting and Peterborough Petes.

The Greyhounds announced on Monday that Nikandrov and fellow assistant coach Brendan Taylor would not return to the club this fall. 

“We want to sincerely thank Danny and Tayls for everything they’ve done for our program and our players, both on and off the ice,” said Greyhound general manager Kyle Raftis in a release. “Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment have had a tremendous impact on our organization. We’re grateful for the contributions they’ve made during their time with the Greyhounds and wish them nothing but continued success in the next chapter of their careers.”

Soo recently named Drew Bannister their new head coach, replacing John Dean.

Nikandrov will join Hulton and fellow assistant Guy Girouard behind the Saint John bench this season. Hulton and Girouard were officially hired last month. Director of hockey operations and assistant coach Kyle MacDonald is the only member of last season's coaching staff set to return.

Sea Dogs alumni on the move

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Fresh off capturing a Calder Cup championship, former Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman William Villeneuve has re-signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Villeneuve signed a two-year deal with the Leafs, the club announced on Wednesday.

From the team's release:

Villeneuve, 24, skated in 61 games with the Marlies last season, recording 30 points (3 goals, 27 assists) while adding 23 points (2 goals, 21 assists) in 24 playoff games en route to a Calder Cup championship. In 226 career AHL games, he has collected 120 points (12 goals, 108 assists). Villeneuve made his NHL debut on April 11, 2026, against the Florida Panthers.

The 24-year-old has spent his entire pro career with the Maple Leafs organization, which was highlighted by a Calder Cup title with the Marlies last month.

A few other Sea Dogs alumni happenings from the past few weeks...

• Josh Lawrence is on the move yet again, signing with HK Olimpija Ljubljana of the ICEHL (which features clubs from around Central Europe). The 24-year-old spent last season in Russia and Slovakia, which was capped off by helping HK Nitra win the Slovak Extraliga. Since turning pro, Lawrence has played in Switzerland, Finland, Russia, Slovakia and now Slovenia.
• Tomas Jurco is returning home, signing with his hometown team, HC Kosice of the Slovak Extraliga, earlier this month. The 33-year-old has spent most of the past five seasons in the KHL and had a brief stint in Switzerland. Jurco hasn't played in a Slovakian league since he was a teenager.
• Nathan Beaulieu has been named an assistant coach of Florida Atlantic University’s Division Il hockey club, which is based in Boca Raton. According to the University Press, Florida Atlantic is coming off a College Hockey South DII Championship. Beaulieu spent last season as an assistant coach at Saint Mary's University.
• Fresh off helping the Florida Everblades win an ECHL championship, Oliver Cooper has signed with the Fredericton Express of the Beausejour Senior Hockey League. The 31-year spent all of last season in the ECHL, recording 25 points in 65 regular season games and another five points in 19 post-season contests. Cooper is a Fredericton native who played four seasons with UNB.
• Aiden MacIntosh is heading overseas. After finishing his final season at York University and helping the Evansville Thunderbolts win a SPHL championship, the 25-year-old has signed with Montpellier in France for the 2026-27 season.
• Former Sea Dogs assistant coach Stefan Legein is returning to the AHL's Belleville Senators for another season. This will be Legein's third season as an assistant with Belleville.

Moncton, Quebec named 2028 Memorial Cup host finalists

The 2028 Memorial Cup will be hosted by either the Moncton Wildcats or Quebec Remparts.

The Canadian Hockey League announced Monday that the two cities are the finalists to host the 2028 tournament, which is the next time the QMJHL has the event.

According to a news release, "Moncton and Quebec were selected by the 2028 Memorial Cup Site Selection Committee, an independent panel of five individuals with extensive experience across the sports landscape. As the first step in the process, the committee reviewed submissions from QMJHL clubs that declared their intent to bid before identifying the two finalist clubs that would advance."

The Newfoundland Regiment and Gatineau Olympiques were believed to also have interest in hosting the event.

Both Moncton and Quebec City have hosted the Memorial Cup in the past – but neither have done so in their new buildings. The Moncton Coliseum hosted the 2006 tournament while Colisee Pepsi hosted a few times, most recently in 2015.

“The Memorial Cup holds a special place in our game because of the players, fans, volunteers, and communities who bring it to life each year,” said Dan MacKenzie, president of the CHL, in a news release. “Moncton and Quebec are two proud hockey markets with deep connections to this championship, passionate fan bases, strong organizational leadership, and a clear understanding of what it takes to host an event of this calibre. We are confident either city would provide an exceptional stage for the 2028 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, and we thank all of the QMJHL clubs that expressed interest in being part of this process.”

The 2028 host city is expected to be announced by the end of October.

The Rimouski Oceanic were the most recent QMJHL host, holding the event in 2025. The last Maritime city to host was Saint John in 2022.

The OHL's Guelph Storm will host the 2027 Memorial Cup.

2027 NHL Draft hype underway for Saint John

Mathieu Savidant/Saint John Sea Dogs

With Alexis Joseph on their roster, the Saint John Sea Dogs were already a team to watch for the 2027 NHL Draft.

Now, with Jamie Glance officially a Sea Dog, the team will have even more attention on them.

Joseph was ranked as the third best player available for the 2027 NHL Draft by Daily Faceoff last week while Glance was ranked 27th.

"Joseph really impressed me when I watched him at the U-17 World Challenge training camp a year ago," writes Steven Ellis. "In one game, in particular, he had an incredible four goals and five points – a scrimmage, sure, but he was clearly a step ahead of the rest."

The Hockey News recently released a list of five QMJHL players to watch for the 2027 NHL Draft (which was published before Saturday's Glance signing). Joseph was included. 

"He has a fantastic offensive brain that allows him to run a power play and find deft passes in the slot, a trait pretty rare for a player his size, and possesses a very respectable wrist shot that can beat junior goalies easily," writes Rory Arthur.

Joseph had 24 goals and 36 assists in 54 games during his rookie season. It'll be interesting to see what he can do production wise with a better (on paper, at least) supporting cast around him – a cast that now includes Glance.

"Glance plays a highly detailed game – a lot of what he does well doesn’t get rewarded on the scoresheet," writes Ellis. "He forces giveaways, does a good job of chasing after attackers, and draws penalties as well as anyone on the USNTDP this past year. It just feels like every time I zeroed in on Glance, he made something happen."

Glance led the USNTDP under-18 team in scoring last season, posting 23 goals and 33 assists in 62 games.

The Sea Dogs have not had a player selected in the first-round of the NHL Draft since Joe Veleno in 2018. They haven't had two players picked in the opening round since 2015 when Jakub Zboril and Thomas Chabot were both drafted.

Carter Meyer of the USNTDP – who reportedly wants to leave the program early to join the Quebec Remaprts – was ranked fifth. Quebec's James Scantlebury was ranked 29th.

Quebec's lone regular season visit to Saint John is sadly on a Thursday night (Nov. 12). They also meet on Friday, March 12 in Quebec City.

Defenseman Landon DuPont, who recently announced he's leaving the Everett Silvertips to join the University of Michigan, was ranked first by Daily Faceoff.

Glance signs with Sea Dogs

Mathieu Savidant/Saint John Sea Dogs

Jamie Glance is officially a Saint John Sea Dog.

After months of speculation, the Sea Dogs announced Saturday – on July 4, fittingly – that the American forward has been signed to a QMJHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Glance, who will turn 18 in September, just completed his second and final season with the USNTDP. He's projected to be a first-round pick in next year's NHL Draft.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jamie to the Sea Dogs,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie in a news release. “Jamie is an offensive weapon. He is a pure goal-scorer. He will be a great addition to our team and elevate others around him. He wants to win in Saint John, and after completing two years with the NTDP, this is the natural next step for him.”

Glance led the USNTDP under-18 team in scoring last season, posting 23 goals and 33 assists in 62 games. He also appeared in five games at the IIHF U18 World Championship, recording a goal and four assists.

Glance was selected by Saint John in the sixth-round of the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft. A New Hampshire native, Glance is committed to Boston University, a commitment currently scheduled to begin in 2027-28.

While the signing was made official on Saturday, this is not a new development. The signing has been expected to cross the finish line for a few months now.

Obviously, this is a huge addition to Saint John's offense, especially with the expected departure of Olivers Murnieks. It also makes the Sea Dogs one of the most intriguing teams to watch in terms of the NHL Draft with Glance joining forces with Alexis Joseph. There should be no shortage of scouts at TD Station this year.

Questions remain on Murnieks, Svensk

The 2026 CHL Import Draft is over but some questions still remain for the Saint John Sea Dogs.

The biggest question: what's the status of Olivers Murnieks? Nothing has been made official, but it certainly looks like the Latvian forward will play for Boston College beginning this fall.

Murnieks was selected in the fourth-round of last weekend's NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. In an article on the Sabres website, the team wrote that "the 6-foot-1 centre is committed to Boston College and expected to start there this fall."

"But we’re excited to see what he does," said Jerry Forton, Buffalo's assistant general manager. "It was a big step for the Boston College staff – who we put a lot of faith in, we’re very close with – to bring him in this fall."

The Sea Dogs have said that Murnieks' home for the 2026-27 season would likely be decided by the NHL team that selected him – and it's looking like Buffalo would prefer him playing NCAA hockey. But we'll see how things play out over the next few weeks.

With uncertainty around Murnieks' future, Saint John made three selections in this year's Import Draft, picking Czech forward Matyas Cancik, Slovakian forward Oliver Ozogany and Finnish defender Vertti Svensk.

Busy start to free agency for Sea Dogs alumni

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It was a busy start to NHL free agency for several former Saint John Sea Dogs on Wednesday. Here's a quick rundown of the moves.

• Joe Veleno signed a one-year contract – with a cap hit of $1.2 million – with the New York Rangers for the 2026-27 season. The 26-year-old spent last season with the Montreal Canadiens where he posted two goals and three assists in 61 games. He also saw his first career Stanley Cup Playoff action, posting an assist in nine games. Veleno has now played for four of the NHL's Original Six franchises: Detroit, Chicago, Montreal and now New York.
• Mathieu Joseph signed a one-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers worth an AAV of $1 million. The 29-year-old split last season between the St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings, posting two goals and nine assists in 51 games. He also appeared in two playoff games with the Kings. This will be Joseph's fifth NHL team (Tampa Bay, Ottawa, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Edmonton).
• Riley Bezeau has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 24-year-old spent all of last season with Columbus' AHL affiliate in Cleveland where he recorded five goals, two assists and 74 penalty minutes in 24 regular season games. He added a goal in eight playoff games. “Riley is a physical and hard-working forward that competes every shift,” said Blue Jackets' president of hockey operations and general manager Don Waddell. “He has earned his opportunity and we look forward to see his further growth in the Blue Jackets organization.”
• Philippe Daoust has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Ottawa Senators. The 24-year-old just completed his fourth season with the AHL's Belleville Senators. In 63 games last season, Daoust recorded 14 goals and 36 assists – by far the most productive of his professional career, one that has had some injury troubles along the way.
• Boko Imama is heading south, signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Florida Panthers. The 29-year-old has spent the past two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. Last season, Imama recorded six goals, five assists and 137 penalty minutes in 66 regular season AHL games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He added an assist and 18 penalty minutes in six playoff games. He also appeared in two NHL games with Pittsburgh. Florida's AHL affiliate is the Charlotte Checkers.
• A few days ago, Joshua Roy signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Utah Mammoth that's worth $850,000 at the NHL level. The 22-year-old spent most of last season with the AHL's Laval Rocket where he had 23 goals and 22 assists in 57 regular season games and another two goals in five playoff matches. He also appeared in three NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens.

Other former Sea Dogs to play in the NHL last season: Charlie Coyle (Columbus), Thomas Chabot (Ottawa), Jonathan Huberdeau (Florida), Yan Kuznetsov (Calgary) and William Villeneuve (Toronto).