The Columbus Blue Jackets have sent Kerby Rychel down to their AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters.
#CBJ has assigned Kerby Rychel to Lake Erie (@monstershockey).
DETAILS → https://t.co/klrR1Dbm72 pic.twitter.com/kjviLA2WAw
— NHL Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) February 29, 2016
Kerby Rychel Sent Down
Earlier this season reports surfaced that Rychel had requested a trade out of Columbus last summer. Earlier this week, he was reportedly told that his wish would be granted, however that is now not the case as he will play out the remainder of the season in the AHL. Rychel was originally drafted by the Blue Jackets in the first round, 19th overall, at the 2013 NHL Draft.
The 6’1″ forward is the son of former NHLer Warren Rychel. He was born in Torrance, California while his father was playing professional hockey for the Los Angeles Kings. However, Rychel holds Canadian Citizenship and has choosen to play for Hockey Canada in International tournaments. Rychel is seen as a power forward prospect. The type of player who can drive the net and score goals on tips and rebounds, as well as grind in the corners to retrieve loose pucks.
Rychel has bounced between the NHL and AHL over the last two years, with just two goals and 12 points in 37 career NHL games. However his new club will hope that due to his youth, talent, and pedigree he will be able to develop into a top six NHL forward.
Rychel is in the first year of his three year entry level contract. It carries an annual cap hit of $863,333 according to General Fanager.
Rychel was drafted out of the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL. He was traded to the Guelph Storm at the 2013 OHL Trade deadline, and helped the team to the OHL Championship that year.
Main Photo Credit:
Main Photo Caption: BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 22: Kerby Rychel #21 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins during the second period at TD Garden on February 22, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
