It appears that Chris Stewart, who played for the Buffalo Sabres and Minnesota Wild in 2014-15, has found his third NHL home the past calendar year. Andy Strickland was first with the story.
Free agent Chris Stewart is nearing a one-year deal with the #NHLducks and won’t be returning to the #MNwild. Announcement expected soon
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) July 11, 2015
Eric Stephens reports that the contract will be for one year, and worth between $1.5-2.0 million.
Can confirm earlier reports of Ducks nearing agreement with winger Chris Stewart on one-year deal. Hearing around $1.5-2M range.
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) July 11, 2015
Stewart started the season in Buffalo on a team with little to play for and in full “tank” mode gunning for generational talents Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel. Stewart, once a near 30-goal scorer as a power forward for Colorado, scored just five tallies in the first 44 games. Sure, Stewart hasn’t put it all together in his career yet, but it seemed like he was snakebit in a less than ideal situation. After being traded to Minnesota on March 2nd, he tallied a season high nine points in a month, providing a big presence (6’2″, 231 lbs) for the Wild heading into their playoff run.
In 20 games with the Wild, he scored three goals and 11 points, meshing well with the top six. He added two assists in the six-game series win against his former mates, but his injury which turned out to be a separated shoulder may have had something to do with that. He played just two games in the Chicago series.
Now, Stewart joins an Anaheim group that made a few moves of their own in the offseason, adding Carl Hagelin and subtracting Kyle Palmieri, Emerson Etem, and Matt Beleskey up front. Obviously Anaheim is looking for some strength to replace what was lost, and they are getting an interesting forward in Stewart.
The 27-year old hasn’t scored 20+ goals since he tallied 28 with the Avalanche and Blues in 2010-11. Entering the prime of his career, a situation in Anaheim where the team came one win away from the Stanley Cup Final could benefit him. It did with Minnesota, and could be the same for a serious Cup contender. It all depends however, if Stewart can regain his form or if not, play his style. All in all, it’s a low-risk move for the Ducks that could end up paying solid dividends.
Main Photo:
