Veteran defenseman expected to be added to Cats’ Taxi Squad
The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman Kevin Connauton, who came to training camp on a professional tryout, to a one-year, two-way contract. Connauton is expected to be assigned to the Panthers Taxi Squad upon clearing waivers.
According to CapFriendly, the deal will pay the league minimum $700K at the NHL level and carry a minor league salary of $125K.
Connauton, 30, appeared in four regular season games with the Colorado Avalanche in 2019-20 and 38 regular season games with the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League, producing five goals and 27 points.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound native of Edmonton, Alberta, has appeared in 314 career National Hockey League regular season games with Colorado (2019-20), the Arizona Coyotes (2015-16 to 2018-19), Columbus Blue Jackets (2014-15 to 2015-16) and Dallas Stars (2013-14 to 2014-15). He has collected 27 goals, 76 points and 177 PIM.
He was originally selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round (83rd overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft after playing one season at Western Michigan University.
Forward Rodrigo Abols was also placed on waivers yesterday. Abols has been on loan to Orebro HK of the Swedish Hockey League. In 25 SHL games, Abols has produced 9 goals and 17 points. I’m not sure if this means Abols is returning to North America, or if this was done to extend his loan now that the NHL season has started. Orebro will play Djurgarden today. Let’s see if Abols is in the lineup or not.
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