While we wait for word from Brett Kulak’s arbitration hearing today, there are other minor moves happening all around the league. We’ll keep track of them right here:
- The San Diego Gulls have signed Corey Tropp to a one-year AHL contract, bringing the veteran AHL forward back for another season. Tropp scored 43 points in 50 games for the Gulls last season and actually has quite a bit of NHL experience. In 149 career games for the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets, Tropp has registered 27 points and 133 penalty minutes. The 28-year old could easily lead San Diego in scoring this season and should be a good offensive complement to players like Sam Steel and Max Jones should they end up in the minor leagues.
- Ask any Toronto Marlies player about Rich Clune’s impact on their recent Calder Cup championship and they’ll speak highly of the veteran forward. That’s despite him not playing a single game in the AHL playoffs last season, but explains why the team has re-signed him to a two-year contract. The 31-year old has never been a big scoring threat at the professional level but is a key part of the leadership group for the Marlies and will be back to help them continue to develop young talent. His NHL days are likely behind him—meaning the 22 points in 139 career games should be what he retires with—but he’s not done with professional hockey just yet.