Sweatt declines offer, heads to Sweden

Bill Sweatt has packed his bags and is off for a European adventure.

The 24-year-old for Elburn, Ill., has signed a one-year deal with Brynas of the Swedish Hockey League, putting a hold on his career in North America.

In the four years since leaving the NCAA, where Sweatt was a standout with Colorado College, the Chicago Blackhawks second-round pick in 2007 hasn’t been able to crack a deep Vancouver Canucks roster. When his college career came to a close, the speedy winger ended up with the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. In his first season in the ‘A’ with the Moose, Sweatt put up 46 points (19-27) in 80 games, and helped out with another six points (1-5) in the playoffs.

When the Canucks shifted their affiliation to Chicago, Sweatt took a small step back in production, only posted 34 points (16-18) in 71 games with the Wolves. However, in 2011-12, Sweatt was able to make his NHL debut when he suited up in two games with the Canucks. In his brief stint with the Canucks, Sweatt was held off the scoresheet.

Last season, again with the Wolves, Sweatt increased his production and points per game, tallying 15 goals and 21 assists in 66 games.

Over 217 regular season AHL contests, Sweatt has scored 50 goals and added 66 assists.

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Pelletier returns to AHL with Comets

The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Pascal Pelletier to a two-year, two-way deal that will see the forward suit up with the AHL’s newest franchise.

Pelletier is on his way back to the AHL after a three year stint in the Swiss NLA, where he helped captain Langau. During his time in the NLA, Pelletier scored 109 points (50-59) in 136 games.

Before Pelletier, now 30, headed to the NLA, he spent several seasons in the AHL, including stops in Providence, Rockford, Syracuse, and, most recently, Peoria. Throughout his AHL career, Pelletier was a gifted playmaker and scored nearly a point per game player.

In 2007-08, while a member of the Providence Bruins, Pelletier posted 37 goals and 38 assists on way to being named an AHL all-star. During his stay overseas, Pelletier suited up in the Spengler Cup, helping Canada win the tournament last season.