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| Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs |
Forward Ryan Francis has signed a one-year, one-way deal with the Laval Rocket, AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, while forward Riley Bezeau has signed a one-year, one-way contract with the Charlotte Checkers, affiliate of the Florida Panthers.
Francis just completed his overage season and, after not being signed to an entry-level deal by the Calgary Flames and going undrafted last week, was an unrestricted free agent. Bezeau, meanwhile, had one more year of junior eligibility remaining.
Both Francis and Bezeau will be taking part in NHL development camps.
Francis, who started this past season with the AHL's Stockton Heat, had 25 goals and 65 points in 54 regular season games with Saint John. He had a goal and an assist in four playoff games and added two goals and six points in four matches at the Memorial Cup.
The Laval Rocket announced on Monday that the team has agreed to terms on a one-year, one-way AHL contract (2022-23) with forward Ryan Francis.#GoRocket pic.twitter.com/z17uRhSdqa
— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) July 11, 2022
Bezeau was a 12th-round pick of the Sea Dogs in the 2018 QMJHL Entry Draft and wasn't a regular in the league until the COVID-impacted 2020-21 season. The local boy certainly played the role of a third liner to perfection, playing a physical style while also contributing offensively. Bezeau had 11 goals and 27 points in 56 regular season games and another two goals and two assists in the playoffs.
The Panthers have signed forward Riley Bezeau to a one-year AHL contract
— Charlotte Checkers (@CheckersHockey) July 11, 2022
➡️ https://t.co/jEChA47LZQ pic.twitter.com/AqZ7s0iouI
Bezeau, who wore an 'A' on his sweater, will certainly be remembered for his Memorial Cup performance, dropping the gloves against the Edmonton Oil Kings and then scoring in the championship game.
Bezeau turning pro certainly helps ease some of the log jam of overage players the Sea Dogs have heading into next season.
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