/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59671803/Strait1.0.jpg)
Some movement came about on the blueline earlier today as veteran defenseman Brian Strait was re-signed to a two-year, two-way contract by New Jersey while fellow D-man Yaroslav Dyblenko was waived. Binghamton Devils also got into the act when they announced the signing of defenseman Tariq Hammond.
Brian Strait
This was quite surprising as Strait wasn’t all that good while his play deteriorated as the season moved along. It was so bad for the 30-year-old I had him retiring as there was not a chance of him coming back. Boy was I wrong.
The #NJDevils have re-signed defenseman Brian Strait to a two-year, two way deal! https://t.co/vRtMnx8xqV pic.twitter.com/g5IIOXxDNk
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) May 8, 2018
I suppose he’s needed for a leadership role as he wore the A for the majority of the 2017-’18 campaign, but all eyes will be on him beginning in the fall and I hope he shows an improvement in consistency which was an overall problem last season for the BDevils.
Grades Report
84 / B, 80.87 / B-, 71.87 / C-, 69 / D+ (62 gms, 3g 5a)
Started out OK but showed a steady decline as the season progressed.
Yaroslav Dyblenko
It was a frustrating year for the 24-year-old native out of Surgut, Russia for his first pro experience on NA soil and it didn’t go all that well. Missed quite a few games as a healthy scratch as his play dictated, being a step behind at times and took his frustrations out with some heavy hits towards the end.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10804067/Dyblenko1.jpg)
I don’t know if he wanted to return to his native land or was not wanted back (or a combination of both) as he won’t be missed.
The #NJDevils have placed Yaroslav Dyblenko on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 8, 2018
Grades Report
74.66 / C, 68.25 / D+, Inc., 67.25 / D+ (54 gms, 2g 6a)
Wasn’t all that impressed with his numbers throughout each quarter.
Tariq Hammond
Small sample size as he was signed to an ATO late in the season although he appeared to have some talent with some good defensive work good enough for him to land a new one-year AHL deal it was announced today. The 24-year-old finished up his four years at the University of Denver with a National Championship before joining the BDevils near the end of the season.
News: #BingDevils have signed (D) Tariq Hammond to a one-year AHL contract! https://t.co/Fh8HlSMOlM pic.twitter.com/WnUtuFJNFd
— Binghamton Devils (@BingDevils) May 8, 2018
Grades Report
Inc. (4 gms, 0g, 1a)
He’ll be one to watch next season.