The Checkers’ roster received a big boost today as the Hurricanes continue to make cuts.
Forwards Valentin Zykov and Andrew Poturalski, defensemen Dennis Robertson and Jake Chelios and goalie Alex Nedeljkovic have all been assigned to Charlotte.
Chelios returns after turning in an impressive season a year ago for the Checkers, ranking second among team blue liners. Zykov and Poturalski join the fold for their first full season in Charlotte, as both forwards were late additions to the roster last season. Zykov came over from Los Angeles at the trade deadline but was held out due to injury until the final two games, while Poturalski, who signed with Carolina at the conclusion of his collegiate season, appeared in 16 games down the stretch for the Checkers.
After a brief stint in the Chicago system, Robertson is back in Charlotte, where he spent his full rookie campaign in 2014-15, and netminder Nedeljkovic joins the Checkers as he prepares to kick off his first year as a pro.
In addition, yesterday’s group of Brody Sutter, Brendan Woods, Matt Tennyson, Keegan Lowe and Michael Leighton have all cleared waivers and have been assigned to Charlotte.
With the influx of players headed their way, the Checkers have also made a series of transactions today, assigning goalie Anthony Peters to the ECHL’s Florida Everblades and releasing forwards Matt Berry and Dalton Smith from their tryouts.