The Chicago Wolves have signed defenseman Jeremie Blain, who was most recently under contract with the Vancouver Canucks, to an AHL deal, the team announced on Monday.
Blain was signed by the Canucks in the summer of 2013 after he played a short stint with the Chicago Wolves coming straight out of the QMJHL.
He was drafted in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers in the 4th round, but was never given a contract. While under contract with the Canucks, Blain didn’t make his NHL debut and played just 20 games in the AHL with the Utica Comets.
Welcome back, @blainer5! #ChicagoWolves sign d-man Jeremie Blain, who suited up for 25 games w/ the team in 2012-13. pic.twitter.com/9utAWpVZU1
— Chicago Wolves (@Chicago_Wolves) August 24, 2015
At 23, Blain is still seen with some regard as a prospect with potential even though he hasn’t seen the kind of success expected at higher levels. He was a force in the ECHL the last couple of seasons and could be a nice addition for the Wolves. Though his odds of jumping up to the NHL are slim, with the St. Louis Blues loaded on the blue line at the NHL level.
UPDATE:
General Fanager confirms that this was possible because Blain and the Canucks agreed to terminate the final year of his entry-level contract. Once he cleared waivers he was free to sign with the Wolves.
https://twitter.com/generalfanager/status/636168188804206592
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