Columbus Blue Jackets‘ 7th round pick in the 2007 draft (#211 overall), rookie right wing Trent Vogelhuber(38) has been mentioned as one of those later selection diamond in the rough, potential power forwards.
He was not signed to an NHL contract by the parent club (although he has a player page with a photo no less) but affiliate Springfield Falcons stepped in to offer him a one-year AHL deal. No doubt there was some kind of coordinated effort at work with the early free agency inking. He did appear in a couple of games with the team at the end of last season on an ato.
The 6’2″ 195 lbs. forward participated in exhibition play with the Falcons but with the lockout, their opening roster was deep and tough to crack. He was reassigned to ECHL Evansville IceMen, where in 34 games he posted 6 goals and 10 assists with a +3 rating on a team that has struggled mightily to win.
In his 4th game on recall, he put his first in the net to break the ice as he hopes to stay in the lineup as the push towards an imminent first playoff berth in 10 seasons awaits the Cinderella squad. The 24-year old will have to put all of himself into every shift to make it happen but no doubt it is possible for the first year pro.
He also has the distinction of being the first player to be selected by the Ohio team that was born and played his college hockey in the state.
Original story: 3/5-13
He would split time almost evenly between the AHL and ECHL in his first season, doing decently in both leagues.
For his sophomore campaign, he re-signed with the Falcons but was all too often a healthy scratch and skated only 30 games with a goal and 8 assists.
In his third year, he would achieve career high totals for games played (64), goals (8) and points (16). His 8 assists tied the mark from the previous season.
The 27-year has decided to stay in Columbus Blue Jackets‘ system for his 4th pro year.
He once again started in the parent’s club training camp but signed a one-year deal over the summer with new affiliate Lake Erie Monsters and will continue to develop his game.
We do expect the tenacious checking style skater to increase his scoring output.
