New York Rangers‘ former 1st round pick, 12th year left wing Daniel Paille(20) started the season on a minor league tryout before getting an outright deal almost a couple months into 2015/2016.
He was there simply doing his part as an effective role player with Rockford IceHogs, not really putting up big points with a goal and 3 assist in 31 AHL games but keeping them on pace to be a top tier team.
Almost immediately at the turn of the new year, the Blueshirts came sniffing and signed him for the rest of the season.
The decently-sized 6’1 200 lbs. skated 12 games right away after getting his contract but in a limited role failed to put up any points and was reassigned to Hartford Wolf Pack.
He’s putting up points at a better clip than earlier in the season with two goals and 4 assists in 17 games, while always competing hard to help his squad in their Calder Cup Playoff push.
It would be his first time in the postseason, while on a farm team.
He hasn’t played on an NHL affiliate since 2006-2007, his third year with Buffalo Sabres and Rochester Americans.
The 32-year old had 6 huge years with Boston Bruins as one of the best 4th lines ever assembled and won the 2011 Stanley Cup.
Next?
We could see him returning to Finland, hooking up with a team like Ilves, which he did during the last lockout.