Utah HC is signing depth forward Cameron Hebig to a two-way deal for the remainder of the campaign, PuckPedia reports. He’ll earn pro-rated salaries of $775K in the NHL and $125K in the minors. Hebig will likely land on waivers at 1 p.m. CT, allowing Utah to reassign him to AHL Tucson on deadline day to make him eligible for the Calder Cup Playoffs.
The 28-year-old Hebig is a seasoned pro, skating in parts of seven AHL seasons. He was initially an undrafted free agent signed by the Oilers in 2017, but he wasn’t tendered a qualifying offer upon expiry in 2020. He’s been solely on minor-league deals since then.
The vast majority of that time has been spent in Tucson, now Utah’s affiliate after serving as the Coyotes’ top developmental club for the rest of their history. The Saskatoon native first appeared for the Roadrunners during the 2020-21 campaign and has exclusively suited up there over the last four seasons. While usually a decent middle-six producer, Hebig’s broken out this season for 20-17–37 in 48 games. He’s tied for the team lead in goals, ranks third in overall scoring, and ranks third with a +10 rating. That’s enough for the 5’10” forward, who can line up at center or either wing, to earn his first NHL contract in five years.
Hebig will be returning to Tucson for now, but the NHL deal makes him a recall option down the stretch if injuries strike. He can also be added to Utah’s playoff roster as a black ace if they make the postseason. That’s certainly a possibility, sitting four points back of the Flames for the last wild card spot in the West. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer without an extension.