The Jesperi Kotkaniemi offer sheet aside, it has been a quiet stretch for NHL transactions and even for minor moves as the summer wears on. However, there are still plenty of notable names available and looking for work. Here are some recent signings from around the hockey world.
- Former Philadelphia Flyer Taylor Leier is staying in Germany, at least for one more year. Leier left North America ahead of the 2020-21 season after playing on an AHL deal the year prior. He initially signed on with HC Ocelari Trinec in the Czech Republic, but shortly after jumped to Adler Manheim in the DEL. Leier played well, recording ten points in 20 games and contributing in the post season. He seemingly caught the eye of a rival, as the Straubing Tigers have announced a one-year deal with the forward. Leier will jump right into the action, as Straubing has preseason games beginning this week. Leier, who recorded seven points in 55 games with the Flyers, will join other former Philly NHLers Jason Akeson and Brandon Manning on the Tigers roster.
- Justin Brazeau, who received considerable attention as an undrafted free agent out of the OHL back in 2019 but ended up signing an AHL contract, is looking for a fresh start after two quiet seasons to begin his pro career. After joining his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs (the parent organization at least), Brazeau will now jump to an arch rival. The New England Hockey Journal’s Mark Divver reports that Brazeau has signed a one-year deal with the Providence Bruins. The big winger plays a physical brand of hockey that meshes well with the Bruins’ historical preferences, but his skating issues have limited him from transforming into a true power forward, at least in the AHL thus far. In his final year in the OHL, Brazeau recorded 61 goals and 113 points in 68 games with the North Bay Battalion and in his first pro season with the ECHL’s Newfoundland Growlers, he notched 27 goals and 55 points in 57 games. Yet, he only has five points in 22 career AHL games. Playing at a level where just being 6’5″ and 220 lbs. is not enough (even for the Bruins who walked away from a similar style of NHL player in Nick Ritchie this summer, who ironically signed in Toronto), Brazeau will need to work on the finer points of his skill game in order to make an impact in Providence.
- Veteran forward Stephen Harper continues to climb the pro ranks. A former OHL first-round pick and once considered a likely NHL draft pick, Harper’s production and development flatlined over his junior career and he ended up going the collegiate route and playing four years at Acadia University. However, he signed on with the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets last year and recorded 31 points in 43 games. It was enough to catch the eye of the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, who have signed him to a one-year deal. Harper will look to repeat those numbers in the AHL if he can and hopefully continue to elevate to that next level.