There have been a few international transactions today with some sort of present or former NHL connection. We’ll run through those here plus an early minor move at the NHL level.
- Veteran winger Pontus Aberg has joined the SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers in Switzerland, per a team announcement. The 29-year-old had been playing in the Czech Extraliga until now as he notched 13 points in 26 games. Aberg has 132 career NHL games under his belt over parts of four seasons and has been quite productive at the AHL level with 199 points in 277 games. He last was under contract with Ottawa last season before having his deal terminated to go play in Sweden.
- It didn’t take long for Victor Berglund to find his next team. After clearing unconditional waivers yesterday, the Bruins terminated his contract and he has caught on with HIFK in Finland who announced they’ve signed the defenseman for the rest of the season. The 23-year-old had played in just five games with AHL Providence this year and it was looking likely that he wouldn’t be tendered a qualifying offer this summer.
- After splitting time this season between two different teams in Finland’s SM-liiga, Maple Leafs prospect Kalle Loponen will be dropping down a level as Kettera of the Mestis announced they will the defender on a long-term loan during the Christmas break. Loponen spent seven games with them last season after having a limited role in the top division. Toronto has until June 1st to sign the 2019 seventh-rounder who has two assists in 18 games so far this season.
- Following their game last night, the Avalanche announced (Twitter link) that they’ve sent forward Cal Burke back to AHL Colorado. Burke played just under seven minutes last night in his second career NHL appearance. The Avs are off until tomorrow and at that point, it’s possible that Burke will be recalled.