Off Season Moves: Matt Mahalak

Matt Mahalak visits with kids in the community. via Flickr

Matt Mahalak has officially played his last game for the Whalers as he was traded to the Kingston Frontenacs for Windsor’s 2014 third round pick and  Kingston’s 2015 third round pick earlier today. Mahalak who is enetering his OA year in the OHL leaves Plymouth with a  49-27-5-6 record, including seven shutouts in 97 games.

Mahalak was also in the news as the Hurricanes did not offer the 20-year-old goaltender a contract before a deadline last Friday, meaning that he could end up being a free agent pick up or enter the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

The trade is the first of a couple moves expected this off season. Before the trade today the Whalers had up to ten 1993 birthdays on their roster. With Mahalak traded and the Whalers organization predicting a number of players starting their pro career (Stefan Noesen, Rickard Rakell, Garrett Meurs and Vince Trocheck) it does help cut the list of OA’s that the Whalers will have to start the season down to Nick Malysa, Curtis Crombeen, Zach Lorentz, Michael Whaley and Sebastian Uvira.

Ice Cuttings: Have You Heard Edition

Heard Signs With The Avalanche – Congrats are in order to Mitchell Heard who signed an Entry Level Deal with the Colorado Avalanche. Heard was taken 41st overall in this year’s NHL Entry Draft in Pittsburgh. (Denver Post)

Canada Wins The 2012 Canada-Russia Challenge –  Plymouth’s Tom Wilson scored zero points and picked up six PIM’s (Hockey Canada)

Whalers Matt Mistele Looks to Make an Impact in Year Two (PlymouthWhalers.com)