Komets are expected to announce some signings this week, including Leo Thomas. They are awaiting paperwork and final approval from the league.
Here's a quick rundown on what David Franke had to say about everyone else.
Guy Dupuis: Expects to sign.
Colin Chaulk: Expects to sign.
Mitch Woods: They are talking to him. He's also being pursued by CHL teams.
Nick Boucher: Anticipate him coming back.
Back-up goaltender: Working on it, but it won't be another No. 1.
Brad MacMillan: Has a doctor's appointment on Wednesday. Komets have not made an offer yet because they are waiting to see what the doctor says.
David Hukalo: Surgery was good, discovering a small tear in his rotator cuff. Komets will talk to him next week.
Rod Aldoff: Komets will send him a qualifying offer to retain his rights, but aren't sure they can sign him.
Blair Stayzer and Justin Cross: Have talked to both and both are interested. Stayzer would be a veteran.
Olivier Legault: Komets are talking to his agent and will give him a qualifying offer.
Jake Pence: Qualifying offer but supposedly wants to play in Europe.
Rick Varone: Qualifying offer, but Would like to play in Italy. Should know in the next 10 days.
Justin Hodgman: Has several opportunities and would likely be a last-minute signing if he comes back.
Konstantin Shafranov: Will talk to him next week, expected to sign.
Keith Rodger: Have talked two or three times and he has indicated he'd like to come back.
There's no one on the playoff roster they are not going to make a qualifying offer to and that has to be done by July 15. Training camp begins Oct. 5.
Comments
SIGN WOODS NOW
I think signing Justin Cross would be good. He popped home 15(?) goals in about 55 games. Over a full season he would be a 20 goal scorer. Blake, that was a nice update. Glad to know that Leo Thomas is coming back. What about Sean O'Conner? Any news on him? I'm not sure that I would take up a veteran spot by signing Stayzer. If Aldoff did not return and the K's passed on Stayzer they would have two vet spots open. I wonder if they have had any conversations with any New Mexico or Oklahoma City players? I have a lot of confidence in David Franke and Al Sims so I know that there are some good ones coming to camp. Blake, are the Komets going to have some sort of working relationship with Norfolk and Mike Butters as they did last year?
WAY TO GO LEO!!!!!!!
It's not sure at this time, Alan. With all the changes in the AHL, Norfolk may be doubling up affiliations, meaning they may not have as many spots available.
Blake - What exactly is a "qualifying" offer? Does the offer depend on someone else not accepting their offer? In other words if so and so does not accept the Komets offer than the Komets have space on the roster and therefore the offer is good?
I give cheers for Mitch Woods too. It would be awesome to have him and MacMillan both. I would not sign Stayzer. Sean O'Connor would be a big signing, but I am guessing he will be in the AHL or on a 2 way.
Wonder who our back-up might be?
It just means the Komets retain their rights and the player can't sign with another IHL team. It's a legitimate offer so if a player accepts, he signs. None of these contracts are guaranteed.
I'm fired up about Boucher. I've always been a goalie fan. I grew up watching Pokey (sp?) and St. Pierre was Superman. Awesome update, Blake!
I'm kind of surprised about Boucher probably coming back. Many thought he should have been league MVP last year, and he did get a tryout with the AHL before last season. I would have thought he'd have a good chance to move up this time.
In any case, thanks for the info and all your hard work, Blake. :)
Woods-MacMillian-Legault-Stayzer-BigSnake=Kool
Great stuff! Thanks for the info Blake.