After a season that culminated with a Calder Cup championship, Francis Pare has decided to leave the Grand Rapids Griffins for SM-Liiga’s TPS.
Pare, a 26-year-old from Lemoyne, Que., had spent his entire AHL career with the Griffins after signing a two-year deal with the Red Wings in 2009. At 5’10”, Pare was a shifty forward that was still able to distribute the puck and make things happen despite his small stature. Though his contracts were two-way deals, Pare was never able to make the jump from the minors to the NHL, especially on a team as deep as the Red Wings.
With a full roster up the middle and down the wing, it seemed unlikely that Pare was bound for the NHL with the Red Wings anytime soon. As such, Pare has decided to move on.
His deal with TPS is a two-year contract, and it could see him back in the AHL after that time.
In 363 games with the Griffins, Pare had 237 points (102-135) and added another five goals and 11 assists in 34 career playoff games.
