Late season players joining NHL

[Hunter9]

Every year there seem to be a few players from leagues like KHL or NCAA that join their NHL teams when their NCAA or KHL season wraps up.

Are there any players to keep an eye on for this year that may make an impact?

[pmorrow]

I guess I'll start with the really obvious one...Owen Power.

I wonder if Kent Johnson gets a cup of coffee in Columbus too. Might as well give him 9 games.

KHL: Andrei Kuzmenko maybe?

[Invictus]

Would KHL players even be allowed?

[Hunter9]

Good point.

[stevegamer]

Would KHL players even be allowed?

I'd suspect that any non-Russian KHL players who aren't playing should be free to go elsewhere.

[Rockies & Hockeys]

Sanderson

[Dennis]

Any undrafted players coming from the KHL would have to clear waivers to play this year so I wouldn't expect any to be of much use for this season. Most Finns who left the KHL already have signed in Europe already though one defenseman did sign with the Panthers and clear waivers. Kuzmenko could still come over next season depending on Visas being granted to Russian nationals. Hannes Björninen is another for next year who could be a solid bottom-6 centre option on a cheap 1-year ELC for many teams.

2 players not mentioned from the NCAA who could see some playing time toward the end of this season are Winnipeg's Nathan Smith and Minnesota's Jack McBain. The later is rumoured to be entertaining the possibility of letting Minnesota's control of his rights expire this summer so he could be involved in a trade in the near future as well.