Having established himself as one of the AHL’s premier forwards, Andrew Poturalski enjoyed some intriguing options as a free agent. European teams pursued the Williamsville native earlier in the summer, offering him hefty six-figure contracts.
Still, Poturalski refused to let money cloud his judgment. If he grabbed the fattest deal and bolted overseas to the Kontinental Hockey League, a circuit comprised mostly of Russian teams, he could effectively be ending his hopes of ever cracking the NHL again. The 27-year-old knew he might always have regrets.
Of course, Poturalski acknowledged, the big money offers were enticing. He has earned a base salary of $70,000 in the minors throughout much of his career. But he wasn’t prepared to move 5,000 miles overseas yet.
Poturalski’s one-year contracts with the Ducks the past two seasons guaranteed him $425,000 and were worth $350,000 in the minors, according to capfriendly.com.
So by signing a one-year, two-way contract to return to Carolina on Aug. 11, Poturalski has essentially bet on himself. The deal, which guarantees him $250,000, is worth $200,000 in the minors and the league-minimum $700,000 in the NHL.
After an injury-riddled 2019-20 season – MCL and wrist problems limited him to just seven points in 17 games – Poturalski showcased his slick form again last year, registering nine goals and 43 points in 44 games. Despite being the AHL’s most prolific scorer, the hapless Ducks never recalled him or elevated him to the taxi squad NHL teams utilized because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The snubs have helped Poturalski, who went undrafted, develop a chip on his shoulder. Since the start of of 2016-17, his first full season, the 221 points he has compiled rank sixth in the AHL.
“I definitely like to let my game speak for itself,” Poturalski said. “I really want to play in the NHL. It’s been my dream as a kid. That’s what we all play for and what we work for. And every guy can probably say they have a case as to why they could. I feel like I have a strong case for why I could.
That long-awaited opportunity could materialize for Poturalski this season. He started training differently this offseason and believes he has improved his speed. While the Hurricanes have established themselves as a heavyweight, they’re short on depth. They’ll likely need help from the Chicago Wolves, their new AHL affiliate.
Wolves coach Ryan Warsofsky was assistant for the Charlotte Checkers during their Calder Cup campaign in 2018-19, when Poturalski set career highs by scoring 23 goals and 70 points in 72 games for the Hurricanes’ old affiliate. Poturalski was at his best during those playoffs, scoring 12 goals and 23 points in 18 contests.
Go get ‘em Pots!
Wish it were with the Panthers, they seem to value veteran prospects and we Checkers fans would love to have Potts back in Charlotte however briefly.
