It would appear that the Utica Comets have added two more players on Professional Try-Out contracts. Ben Birnell of the Utica Observer-Dispatch sent out a tweet today mentioning the moves.
ECHL transactions have two players: D Cliff Watson and F Brady Brassart being assigned to Comets.
No announcement from team on any of the moves pic.twitter.com/y8tXva9ead— Ben Birnell (@OD_Birnell) December 5, 2017
A quick check in with EP Transfers seems to confirm what Ben tells us.
Loan: Cliff Watson (D) | Utah Grizzlies -> Utica Comets | https://t.co/wTYUa1J5Wa #AHL
— EP Transfers (@ep_transfers) December 4, 2017
Loan: Brady Brassart (F) | Idaho Steelheads -> Utica Comets | https://t.co/V8MtX1wTkq #AHL
— EP Transfers (@ep_transfers) December 4, 2017
In Cliff Watson, the Comets are adding a 23-year-old left-shot defenseman. Watson stands 6’2″ and weighs in at 195lbs. The defenseman was originally drafted 168th overall in the 6t round by the San Jose Sharks in the 2012 entry draft. He has put up 14 points in 21 games this season with the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL. With Evan McEneny sidelined for the rest of the season after knee surgery, the Comets will need an extra body on hand. These PTO deals are an effective way to flesh out the roster and possibly find a longer term player while others are out with injury.
Evan McEneny undergoes knee surgery – expected to be out 6 months https://t.co/85R3cuNPu2
— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) December 4, 2017
With the announcement of McEneny out for 6 months – here is the play where he was hurt on November 15 vs Laval#Canucks #Comets pic.twitter.com/jR4AdsvoPn
— Ryan Biech (@ryanbiech) December 4, 2017
Brady Brassart is the other player who is getting a look. Brassart is a 24-year-old, 6’2″, 210lbs C/RW from Vernon B.C. Brassart was never drafted by an NHL team, however, he did spend a little over two seasons in the AHL with the Iowa Wild from 2013/14 to 2015/16. This season, Brassart has plied his trade with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL. In 21 games this season, Brassart has 11 goals and 12 assists, for 23 points. He has also accumulated 22 minutes in the penalty box.
With these moves having been made, but not yet announced officially by the Comets, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Danny Moynihan being sent back to Kalamazoo soon.
The Comets will suit up next on Wednesday at 4:00 pm Pacific vs the Syracuse Crunch.
When could we see Stewart or cedarholm back in kzoo?
Hard to say at this point. I would imagine that Stewart will be heading back to Kalamazoo before Cederholm though. Anton has looked decent in his couple of games.