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The signings are coming fast and furious for the Montreal Canadiens AHL affiliate. Just a few days after re-signing the exciting Latvian Nikita Jevpalovs to a new contract, the Laval Rocket announced they had also brought back defenceman Ryan Culkin.
Culkin originally signed with the Rocket on an AHL deal last year, and clearly made enough of an impression to be brought back for a second season. While he played just 10 games for Laval, tallying a single goal, he put together a solid ECHL season with the Maine Mariners posting two goals and 20 assists in 39 games.
The left-shooting defender will have every chance to try and carve out a spot next season, but will be up against firm competition in potentially Xavier Ouellet and Karl Alzner. As a seventh option and top ECHL player, he provides decent depth should injuries arise or if the team needs cover on a long road trip.