New Jersey Devils Sign Journeyman Defenseman to PTO

The New Jersey Devils announced on Monday that they have signed veteran and journeyman defenseman, Andy Welinski, to a professional tryout contract (PTO).

The Devils also made it official that forward Kevin Labanc will attend training on a PTO, originally reported by San Jose Hockey Now and confirmed by New Jersey Hockey Now.

GO DEEPER: What the New Jersey Devils Can Expect From Kevin Labanc

Welenski, 31, has spent the majority of his career playing in the American Hockey League (AHL). In his nine years playing professional hockey, Welesnki has skated in 46 NHL games — all with the Anaheim Ducks.

Across three seasons between 2017-18 and 2020-21, Welenski has but one goal and six points in the NHL.

As an AHL defenseman, Welenski boasts a respectable 6-foot-1, 200 lb frame. He’s shown adequate puck-moving ability and can chip in on offense, often nearing .5 points per-game.

Welenski’s best season on the scoresheet was in 2017-18 when the former San Diego Gulls defenseman registered 10 goals and 34 points in 51 contests.

In addition to playing for the AHL Gulls, Welenski has spent time in the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Stockton Heat, Rockford IceHogs, Iowa Wild, and Charlotte Checkers organizations.

Last season between Iowa and Charlotte, Welenski registered three goals and 10 points in 35 games.

The native of Minnesota, Duluth was drafted in the third round of the 2011 NHL Draft, 83rd overall by the Ducks.

According to the press release, “Welinski played four seasons of collegiate hockey with the University of Minnesota-Duluth, 2012-13 to 2015-2016, serving as captain his senior season.  While with the Bulldogs, he was named to the WCHA All-Rookie team in 2013, and was twice named a member of the NCHC Second All-Star Team in 2015 and 2016. Before his time with UMD, he played two seasons with Green Bay (USHL), where in 2011-12, he was named USHL Defenseman of the Year, and to the First All-Star Team, as the Gamblers won the Clark Cup.”

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