The Anaheim Ducks have reached new contracts with three of their restricted free agents, signing Kalle Kossila, Kevin Roy and Andy Welinski to one-year two-way contracts. Eric Stephens of The Athletic has the financial breakdown of each contract:
- Kossila: $650K NHL/$125K AHL
- Welinski: $690K NHL/$125K AHL
- Roy: $874K NHL/$70K AHL
It’s fitting that these three were announced at the same time, given how similar each of their circumstances are. All three are now 25 years old—in fact were all born within a six week span in 1993—and split last season between the minor leagues and NHL, with only Kossila having made his debut in a previous year. Roy was up for the longest period, suiting up for 25 games and recording seven points including six goals. The trio though were the life blood of the San Diego Gulls of the AHL, registering a combined 125 points on the year.
While they may each play some in the NHL this year, there isn’t a guaranteed role for any of them. Kossila may have the best chance given his experience at center and the still cloudy situation regarding Ryan Kesler, but none should expect to play a full season with the Ducks. Instead, they all represent valuable depth for a club that is expecting to compete once again.
Each of the three failed to qualify for Group VI unrestricted free agency this summer given that they have just two professional seasons under their belts, but all three are headed for that status next offseason. If any of them fail to reach a total of 80 games played in the NHL by the end of the year, they’ll be able to choose their next destination from the free agent market.