Former Second Round NHL Pick Heads To KHL

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After spending the last two seasons toiling in the American Hockey League, former Pittsburgh Penguins' second-round pick Calen Addison is heading overseas to join the Shanghai Dragons of the KHL. 

It's a one-year deal for the 26-year-old right-shot d-man. 

The playmaking, puck-moving defenseman played 155 games in the NHL split between the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks, recording a total of 50 points in 152 games. Good offensive numbers, but his problem was on the defensive side of the puck, with an overall -59 rating. 

In the AHL, Addison fared much better. In 204 career regular-season games, he recorded 24 goals and 101 assists for 125 points, though still with a -50 rating. Last year with the Utica Comets, he recorded 31 points in 65 games. 

“Addison is a mobile, offensive-minded defenseman who handles the puck extremely well and has a strong first pass, allowing him to drive the transition game. He is especially effective on the power play and operating from the blue line, where he moves the puck well and has the vision to find the next play," said Evgeny Artyukhin, General Manager of the Shanghai Dragons. 

Addison has had some international experience, helping Canada to the gold medal at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship, leading all defensemen in assists.