8th year defenseman Yann Sauve(4) headed off to Germany joining EHC Red Bull Munchen after a short pit stop late in the season back with Manchester Monarchs of the ECHL.
He only appeared in a single game before the playoffs begin.
The big blue liner ended up helping the team to the 2017 DEL Championship, appearing in 12 match-ups with an assist and a +6 rating.
For 2017/2018, he has agreed to a one-year deal with Nottingham Panthers of the EIHL.
Although he’s never been a huge point producer, it’s very possible that he shows a significant scoring uptick in England.
Yann Sauve (4)
7th year defenseman Yann Sauve(4) played most of his games in 2014/2015 season in the AHL (17 with Springfield Falcons, 5 St. John’s IceCaps and 4 for Providence Bruins) and spent only 13 games with contract squad Orlando Solar Bears.
He followed that up run agreeing to another ECHL deal this time with Manchester Monarchs and a pair of short stints lacing up for Portland Pirates and Stockton Heat.
The decently sized blue liner didn’t seem to mind his time in New Hampshire as he exploded offensively with a career high 7 goals and 22 assists.
That display definitely helped him grab a deal with Medvescak Zagreb of the KHL for 2016/2017.
He played 25 games scoring a goal and 2 assists and when that calendar was waning without a playoff berth, re-signed and returned to the Monarchs.
After only a pair of games with a 2 assists, the 27-year old heads back overseas signing with EHC Munchen of the DEL for some postseason hockey.
He could re-appear again.
Yann Sauve(3) Orlando Solar Bears
Orlando Solar Bears‘ 5th year defenseman Yann Sauve(3) was late to come to the table signing a one-year minor league deal for 2014/2015 two months into the new season.
He was originally a Vancouver Canucks‘ 2nd round pick in the 2008 draft (#41 overall) and in their system for four campaigns, first signing a three-year entry level contract and then an extension for 2013/2014.
The fairly big 6’3″ 215 lbs. blue liner was assistant captain for affiliate Utica Comets, had a career high 13 assists and tied the 14 points he recorded as a rookie, but was also a disappointing -20 plus/minus.
He was recalled to the NHL for the first time since his initial year, when he appeared in 5 games.
In 3 more games as the parent club’s blue line was injury depleted, he again didn’t connect with the score sheet.
He was productive in the QMJHL with Saint John Sea Dogs averaging 20 assists each season and had an unreal +42 rating before he turned pro.
The 24-year old had already played portions of two seasons on reassignment in ECHL teams, so is familiar with the league.
His best run was in 2012/2013, when he had 19 points in 32 games and is off to a good start with a goal and an assist in 5 contests.
On 12/29-14 he has moved back up the hockey ladder for the moment, signing to a pto with Saint John’s IceCaps.