A very interesting first six days of free agency has passed, and there were a few signings that will affect Albany’s roster, including a return by a former River Rat goalie:
-On the first day of free agency on Tuesday, along with Mike Cammalleri and Martin Havlat, New Jersey signed a familiar face to Albany fans and in turn officially ended the Martin Brodeur era in the process: goaltender Scott Clemmensen, who received a 1 year 2-way contract in his third tour of duty with the Devils organization. He spent the last five seasons with Florida, winning a total of 40 games primarily in a backup role, and 5 wins in 12 appearances in San Antonio over 2 seasons. His last appearance in a Devils uniform was back in the 2008-09 season, where he took over the starting job while Brodeur was out due to injury and won 25 games. He will either backup Cory Schneider in New Jersey or return to Albany for the first time since the end of the Devil/River Rat partnership during the 2005-06 season.
-On Thursday, per CapGeek, three more signings to shore up the defense and the goaltending for next season.
First, a well deserved 1 year 2 way contract for Corbin McPherson. He had his best season in Albany since arriving late in the 2011-12 season, posting 10 assists and a team leading +16 rating.
And the goaltending situation for next year is all settled, as both Keith Kinkaid and Maxime Clermont signed 1 year deals, both 2 ways. After a breakout season that saw him win 24 games, Kinkaid is expected to take over the backup role in New Jersey, but will be contending with Clemmensen for the role.
Clermont split last season between Elmira and Orlando, winning 11 games in 27 appearances. He will most likely stick with an ECHL team and be the first on call if Kinkaid/Clemmensen or Scott Wedgewood go down to injury or callup.
Thoughts Inside The Box 