Marek Hrivik spent six years in the Rangers organization but only made 21 appearances with the NHL club, compiling no goals and three assists. However, he was much more productive in the AHL, where he played in 270 games and scored 53 goals for the Hartford Wolf Pack. Predictably, the 2012 undrafted free agent wanted an opportunity to play on the biggest stage, and he said that was a big reason why he signed with the Flames this offseason.
“It’s never been a dream of mine to play only in the AHL,” Hrivik told NHL.com’s George Johnson. “So I’ve been looking for a different opportunity. I’ve been with New York for five years and it just wasn’t going to work there. I had a bunch of teams interested but I thought I had the best chance in Calgary and that’s why I signed there. Obviously the interest I felt from the organization was also important. That was probably the No. 1 thing. You always want to feel wanted.”
The 25-year-old left the Rangers organization earlier this offseason and quickly signed a one-year, two-way deal with Calgary. Of course, he understands that it’s still an uphill battle to make the team’s final roster.
“There are bunch of guys in a similar position as I am, I’d say, for a fourth-line spot,” Hrivik said. “Money-wise, age-wise. So I think it’s going to be a decent battle.”
Let’s check out some more notes from around the Western Conference…
- While former Norris Trophy winner Drew Doughty has been a mainstay for the Kings for nearly a decade, James O’Brien of Pro Hockey Talk believes the team should consider trading the 27-year-old. The writer notes that the organization would receive immediate salary relief, and he believes the Kings could convince another team to inherit a bad contract (like Dustin Brown and Marian Gaborik) in any trade for Doughty. A trade would also give the team a chance to get a head start on their rebuild, as they’d surely receive young players and/or draft picks.
- Veteran Patrick Marleau signed a three-year contract with the Maple Leafs earlier this offseason, and some of his former Sharks teammates were surprised that he left San Jose. “That was crazy,” former Sharks (and current Panthers) defenseman Jason Demers told NHL.com’s Dave McCarthy. “For him to make that decision, I know him well personally and I know that was probably the biggest decision of his career. I don’t think anybody understands on the outside how big of a decision that was for him. … In my head, after talking to him a little bit, I thought he was going to stay, but I think him and his family discussed it and I think it’s going to be a great thing for him.” Marleau, who had spent 19 seasons with the Sharks, compiled 27 goals and 19 assists in 82 games last season.
- Earlier today, Jaromir Jagr’s agent gave a “no comment” when asked about the rumors regarding the Flames.
dodgerfan711
No thanks to trading Doughty. Rather be semi decent with him and have a number retired and a King in the hall of fame
hoags2727
As much as I want to see that like every kings fan including myself, there’s a strong possibility he just walks and signs somewhere else. Including the leafs. As he has been quoted as saying he wouldn’t mind playing for Toronto in the future.
dodgerfan711
He would be down for TOR but i feel like if the money is there he could stay in LA. His cap hit is already 7 so figure they just need to add an extra 2 mil to make it 9 mil AAV. Toronto couldn’t offer that
ericl
I really don’t see the Kings trading any time in the near future. Of course, a really bad season could change that. As for Doughty to Toronto in free agency, I question whether or not the Leafs will have the cap flexibility to sign Doughty. They have Mathews, Marner & Nylander all coming up for extensions. Doughty’s free agent year is the same year that Mathews & Marner are due new contracts. Do the Leafs sign all 3 to big contracts? That could limit the team the Leafs can put around them