The Utica Comets have released Filip Bratt from his AHL contract, allowing him to return to Sweden if he so chooses. The young defenseman had played three games for their ECHL affiliate, the Adirondack Thunder.
Bratt, 20, is the younger brother of New Jersey Devils star Jesper Bratt and had agreed to a two-way minor league deal this fall. Undrafted, he had worked his way up to the Swedish second league the last two seasons and appeared to at least have a chance of sticking in North America.
Maybe he will try again in a few years, but a release at this point usually suggests a return to Europe. Given that he won’t turn 21 until May, there’s still plenty of development time left for the younger Bratt.
Remember, his brother was also something of a late bloomer, selected 162nd overall in his draft year and playing an extra year in the second tier before bursting onto the NHL scene in 2017.