Two familiar faces in Toronto are going to be suiting up with new teams next season.
Goaltender Jussi Rynnas and forward Mike Zigomanis have signed contract with the Karpat and Rochester, respectively.
Rynnas, who has spent the last three seasons in the Leafs organization after leaving SM-Liiga for an opportunity in North America, heads back to his native Finland. Since the 2010-11 season, Rynnas has suited up in 73 contests with the Marlies, but spent very little time in the NHL. Struggling to take the starting role in the AHL, Rynnas will likely get the chance to be a regular started in his homeland.
In 2011-12, Rynnas set career highs in the AHL with a GAA of 2.55 and SV% of .910. That same season, however, Rynnas spent 14 games in the ECHL with the Reading Royals and struggled to the tune of a 3.21 GAA and .914 SV%.
A one-time AHL Player of the Week, Rynnas’ signing in Karpat signals the end of his North American tenure for the time being. His SM-Liiga contract will keep him in Finland for the next two seasons.
In Zigomanis, the Marlies are losing a leader on and off the ice. A veteran of over 500 AHL games, the Marlies former alternate captain will suit up with the Rochester Americans next season.
Playing at least 60 games in the AHL with the Marlies each of the last three seaons, Zigomanis is coming off of a down year in which he only managed seven goals and 28 assists, the lowest points per game total of his career. The season prior, Zigomanis set a career high with 19 goals and 42 assists, as well as adding another four goals and two helpers in 13 playoff games.
While he may be getting up there in age, the 32-year-old Zigomanis can still contribute at the AHL level, and will likely slot in deeper in the roster for the Amerks.
American Hockey Blog 