EspenK
Registered User
- Sep 25, 2011
- 15,627
- 4,191
Not the best link but let the kvetching begin.
http://www.nbcsports.com/player-news?sport=NHL#player-news-item_6
http://www.nbcsports.com/player-news?sport=NHL#player-news-item_6
The Blue Jackets this afternoon signed towering defenseman Oleg Yevenko to a one-year, two-way NHL/AHL contract.
Yevenko, 6-foot-7 and 238 pounds, was signed to a minor-league contract by the Blue Jackets earlier this summer. But his standout play during the Traverse City prospects tournament and a strong showing at training camp earned him an upgrade.
“Playing against NHL players -- bigger, faster, stronger guys -- I've been impressed with how he's handled himself," Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards said last week.
Yevenko, 24, of Minsk, Belarus, first caught the Jackets’ attention while playing for Belarus in the World Championshps this summer. He also played four years of college hockey at Massachusetts-Amherst, racking up 211 penalty minutes and 182 blocked shots in 132 NCAA games He played four AHL games for the Adirondack Flames last season.
Yevenko, assigned to AHL Lake Erie last week, will join forward Brett Gallant in adding a measure of protection to the large stable of young talent that the Monsters will have this season. His new contract will allow the Blue Jackets to recall him to Columbus if needed.
Yevenko is a formidable presence and has shown a willingness to drop his gloves when needed.
"As a bigger guy, it's part of the job description,” Yevenko said. "You take care of teammates if guys are running around."
--Shawn Mitchell
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@smitchcd
I don't get the bashing of this guy. Saw him in person in Traverse City and he was a monster and one of our best d-men, along with Paliotta. He can definitely help on the big club if needed.
No risk, little to no reward. As long as he stays in the AHL and doesn't sniff the NHL then this is fine,
Well, to be fair he was also at least 3 years older than most of the people participating.
Jarmo seems to disagree with you.
Depth is good. Nobody's counting on him, but it's nice to have him available if he's needed.
Well, to be fair he was also at least 3 years older than most of the people participating.
was he only eligible for a 1 yr deal? I think I read if he got a contract he was eligible for only 1 yr ELC...
But most people there weren't giants who usually take a much longer period of time to get comfortable with their frame.
Okay? And? He's still older and should stand out with a bunch of kids.
Okay? And? He's still older and should stand out with a bunch of kids.
Once again, I don't care about the signing (as in I am fine with it). Good for him. All I am saying is I hope he never sees the NHL. Because if he does its more than likely going to be due to severe injuries or drastically bad play.
I remember this huge hulking D-Man that came up with the NY Islanders, and I thought Mad Mike Milbury gave up on him too quick before trading him to Ottawa. Sure, he was having trouble adding skill to his frame, but Ottawa gave him a chance. Seems like it turned out okay for Zendo Chara.
You can hope he never makes it, but I hope HE DOES see the NHL.....in a CBJ uniform no less.
I have enough confidence in Jarmo and Zito to know that this franchise is past the days of gimmicks and goons to fill out roster. Maybe this one year, turns into another one year, with a cup of coffee. Then that leads to an opening in two years.
I hope the young man lives out his dream.
You can hope he never makes it, but I hope HE DOES see the NHL.....in a CBJ uniform no less.