Kurtis Mclean

[canaan]

same mclean that NYI signed to a two way deal?

[narcolept]

same mclean that NYI signed to a two way deal?

One and the same. He had been offered a two way by PIttsburgh right after the Calder Cup finals. I was under the impression that those 1st two-way contracts were pretty set in their terms, so perhaps he felt he had a better chance of getting up in NY. He was a hell of an AHL player here, but at 27, there's probably a reason or two why this is his first NHL deal.

[canaan]

ah, i see. thanks, narco.

[K2]

Can't say I blame him...his chances of making the NHL are definetly better with the Isles

Good luck, Mac

[WWGRD]

great player, great guy

hope he makes it to their big club

[eastonpensfan]

Last year, he was very excited during the mid-point of the season because he expected that, with the record number of callups from WBS, he had to be next (even though Pitt would have to give him an NHL contract - not that unusual midseason). It would have made sense considering he had a better year than Stone, Filewich, and maybe even Smith.

Near the end of the season, as those players returned, the excitement was gone. The reason he has signed back in WBS on one-year deals the last 2 years instead of going to Europe (he had offers) was that he wanted desperately to play an NHL game, even if it's just one.

You have to think, as he did, that the Islanders will be a better fit for that goal. If he wanted to win at the AHL level, WBS would be the place to be. If he wants to play for a horrible AHL team but have a better-than-average chance at that NHL game, he's made a good choice for himself.

Best of luck, Mac.

[PittPensFan]

I need to get my eyes checked, I thought that said Kirk McLean.

[WWGRD]

Now WBS has to find someone that can replace his 22 goals

[DelPen]

Now WBS has to find someone that can replace his 22 goals

Caputi will and then some.