7th year defenseman Matt Donovan(15) signed on for a 2nd season with Frolunda HC of the SHL after a successful first run with the team scoring a goal and 14 assists with a +5 rating, and a 2017 Champions Hockey League tournament title.
He first left North American pro hockey as a 2nd time group 6 unrestricted free agent after a season under contract with Buffalo Sabres but was reassigned for the entire campaign to affiliate Rochester Americans.
The one-time New York Islanders‘ draft pick stayed with the team for 4 years, playing a career high 52 NHL games in the 2013/2014 campaign getting 2 goals and 14 assists.
He appeared in 15 other big league contests with the team and also skated a pair of playoff appearances.
The 27-year old is off to a nice start this season and could very well stay in Sweden.
Matt Donovan (46)
New York Islanders‘ rookie defensemen Matt Donovan(46) is having an impressive pro debut with their AHL affiliate Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
He was originally a 4th round pick in the 2008 draft (#96 overall).
In 69 games he has 10 goals and 32 assists with a +9 plus/minus on a team that has fought hard for every victory in their playoff bound 2011/2012 season. He happens to lead rookie d-men in assists and points.
At 6′ 202 lbs. he isn’t the biggest guy defending the blue line but always plays a rough and tumble style of hockey.
Earlier this week he received his first NHL recall and skated 24 shifts for almost 22 minutes of ice time going a -1 in the team’s 3-1 loss.
The soon to be 22-year old will likely receive a good, long look in next year’s training camp for roster spot on the Isles.
It will be the 2nd year of his 3-year entry level contract.
4/4: Donovan was one of a pair of defensemen named to the 2011/2012 AHL All-Rookie Team.