10th year defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani(17) heads back overseas to the KHL joining Dinamo Minsk for 2016/2017.
He also spent 2013/2014 in the league under contract with HC Lev Praha before leaving to sign a one-year deal to play for SC Bern of Switzerland’s NLA, where he put up the most points in the league as a blue liner and helped them win the Swiss Cup Tournament.
The fairly large 6’3″ 210 lbs. d-man was wooed back last season on a two-way contract with New Jersey Devils.
He did appear in another 4 NHL games bringing his total to 78 with three different teams including his only full campaign in the show (2011/2012, 58 contests) for draft team Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks, but spent most of 2015/2016 with affiliate Albany Devils.
The 29-year old has skated 382 AHL games scoring 10 goals on three occasions and in each of his 6 seasons has 25 or more assists (over 40 twice).
On his upcoming, second tour of Russia he should be able to do well.
Marc-Andre Gragnani(17) Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres‘ 2005 3rd round draft pick (#84 overall) defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani(17) brought the stuff when it was necessary.
In 9 games last season he had 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists).
Those are also his totals through 15 NHL games played over three seasons.
He was summoned into action for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and this is where he came alive amassing 7 points in 7 games before the team bowed out in the 2nd round.
It’s a bit surprising he qualified with the team for a one-year, two way deal and could see his first playing time with the Amerks since his rookie campaign in 2008.
Last season he recorded the most points in a season (60) for a Portland Pirates‘ defenseman ever, a 2nd year in a row.