Palushaj, who signed a one-year contract with the Hurricanes in July, recorded two goals and seven assists in 25 games with the Avalanche in 2013, and Carolina Vice President of Hockey Operations Ron Francis believes he has a chance to make the team in September. Assuming that's the case, he will likely skate in a checking line capacity and doesn't figure to offer much by way of fantasy value in most formats.
Palushaj, at best, will fill out the fourth line for Montreal this coming season. He's been productive for Hamilton, with 102 points in 121 AHL games over the last two years, but that success didn't translate in his 38-game stint with the big club in last season. If the Canadiens decide to ride some younger players as the season wears on, there a few prospects ahead of Palushaj, so we're not expecting any surprises from him.
Palushaj had a brief three-game stint with Montreal -- his NHL debut -- after resurrecting his prospect cache in 2010-11. He had 57 points (22 goals) with a plus-22 in 68 games for the Hamilton Bulldogs, and then went on to average a point per game in 19 playoff games. Palushaj possess a good hockey IQ, plays a well-rounded game, and is comfortable with the puck. Frankly, we still don't know why the Blues organization gave up on him so quickly after an underwhelming 2009-10 season.
Palushaj joined the organization after finishing his sophomore season at Michigan, scoring two goals in eight games for Peoria of the AHL. He's expected to play the full season for the Rivermen in 2009-10, with the club looking for him to get bigger and stronger.
Palushaj will head back to the University of Michigan for his sophomore season after posting 44 points in 43 games as a freshman.
Palushaj has shown some offensive flair in recent seasons - he scored 67 points in 52 games with the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL last season. However, he did not make the Blues' training camp this season and is at least a year or two away from landing in the NHL.
Look way into the future and you might see Palushaj in an NHL jersey. He's one of the youngest in the 2007 draft class and he's only just played high school hockey. His stock has been rising with each passing week but he really needs to test himself against stronger competition to see if he stands out there, too. It's off to college for this young man; let's see how he progresses after a year.
