Shawn Lalonde Headed to Germany
On Wednesday, the website for the Berlin Polar Bears posted news that they have signed defenseman Shawn Lalonde. Lalonde was a restricted free agent with the Blackhawks.
Berlin is a member of the Deutsche Eishockey League. Forwards Danny Briere and Claude Giroux played for the Polar Bears during the lockout last season.
Lalonde was a third round pick (68th overall) by the Blackhawks in 2008, and spent the last three full seasons in Rockford. He played 204 regular season games for the IceHogs, scoring 13 goals with 57 assists and 278 penalty minutes.
If LaLonde plays defence there, we will have a clearer picture as to the reason. I thought Shawn improved a lot last year, and had a shot at the NHL…this style of hockey that he is going to, certainly fits his game a lot better.
I wish Lalonde the best, this was the best decision for him. The 2008 NHL draft is amazingly awful outside of the top 2 picks, Alex Pietrangelo and current Norris trophy winner Erik Karlsson . Lots of flat out busts and tons of question marks. Only 5 total allstars out of the entire draft is laughable(all 1st rounders too)With the 11th selection the Chicago Blackhawks select,….Kyle Beach :-(
According to the Berlin site (and google translate), it does seem like Berlin wanted a defender. So, if no NHL team were calling, I can see why Shawn would go play over there to keep active and maybe showcase himself a little bit.
Best of luck to him!
I know nothing about minor league hockey versus other countries’ leagues; however, I would have thought being in North America would have been a plus. Although I agree a change in position to a winger when Lalonde believes he may be best suited to defense would be a catalyst to leave the organization.
With him leaving the organization, do the Hawks lose his rights (since he is a restricted free agent) next summer after this upcoming season or do the Hawks retain his rights if he comes back to the NHL/AHL?
Yes, Peter he will be a FA in the NHL when he is at liberty to take another shot.