Tagged: Moncton Wildcats

Zach-Sill

6th year undrafted center Zach Sill(22) was probably a bit surprised and happy to be dealt before the trade deadline from Pittsburgh Penguins to the rebuilding Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 6′ 205 lbs. fourth line agitator started his pro career in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for two seasons before scoring his first major contract, which was extended twice.

It’s up at the end of the current campaign so he’ll have to prove himself with his new team to earn another deal.

2014-2015 has been the 26-year old’s first full run in the show but he’s scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.

Not exactly know for his scoring prowess, although he did score his first NHL goal and added a pair of assists, he’s mostly used to get under the skin of opponents and welcomes any encounter.

He has 5 fighting majors this season and will likely battle his way into a new contract.

See related: 4/30-12

James Melindy

Phoenix Coyotes‘ 3rd round pick in the 2012 draft (#88 overall) defenseman James Melindy(4) spent the start of his rookie season on the injured reserve list with minor league affiliate Portland Pirates.

Finally healthy enough at the turn of the new year he made it back into the lineup and through 14 AHL games he has his first pro marker but a -8 rating on a team that struggles at times.

At 6’3″ 187 lbs. he’s a pretty big, mostly stay-at-home style blue liner but he did show some offensive upside in his last couple campaigns of junior hockey with Moncton Wildcats before deciding to turn pro after his third year.

Signed to a three-year entry level deal through 2016, the recently just turned 20-year old is probably viewed by the parent club as a work in progress despite his pretty high selection but looks to have the ability to break out sooner than later and could get an NHL look as soon as next season.