Fadden Returned to Lethbridge
Submitted by chad on October 10, 2008 - 08:38
Norfolk General Manager Mike Butters announced Thursday that forward Mitch Fadden would not be signed and was returned to WHL Lethbridge. Fadden, who had 89 points in 72 games last year for Lethbridge, was thought to be a lock for an NHL contract this summer. Prior to the new ownership taking over in Tampa, then-Lightning general manager Jay Feaster told Bolt Prospects it was his intention to get Fadden signed this summer, though they were not under any deadline to do so. With the new ownership came a new philosophy for Norfolk, and with key veteran free agent forward additions such as Brandon Bochenski, Zenon Konopka, and Wyatt Smith added to a corp containing Blair Jones, Brandon Segal, Chris Lawrence and the like, there wasn't much room for the offensive development of Fadden.
Returning to the WHL, Fadden's re-addition to the Hurricanes poses roster issues for the WHL club. Fadden is 20, and teams are only allowed to dress up to three 20 year olds (overagers). Currently Lethbridge has four: Fadden, LW Adam Chorneyko, D Mitch Versteeg and D Ben Wright. They can carry more than three on their roster until October 16.
The 'Canes are off to a 5-2 start without Fadden and prized prospect C Zach Boychuk, who has appeared to make the Carolina Hurricanes. They were also expecting back defenseman Luca Sbisa, but due to his good play and injuries in Philadelphia, Sbisa is starting the year as a Flyer.
It's definitely a situation to watch as Fadden - although unlikely - could be dealt to another WHL club.
FADDEN SHINES .. LETH 3 REG 2
Thank you to the Lightening for not signing Fadden !
Our PP took a complete 360 with Fadden leading the way .. registering a goal and an assist. He really is the "play maker" of all play makers, most exciting game to watch this season, glad to have him back !
Im sure he is excited to be a free agent in June and see what his options are ! i hope he is picked up by Calgary or Edmonton so i can catch a few games or maybe it will be Vancouver .. I was talking to another season ticket holder today and he said that Faddens agent of many years was Mike Gillis .. very interesting. The fact of the matter is Fadden will find a job in the NHL, it will be interesting to see where ..
I personaly think you could have used him somewhere in your organization .. 0 wins for Ads or Bolts .. after his 3 point night against the Phantoms I thought he was a shoe in.
Hey Fadden nothing but good things have happend since you arrived 3 years ago to the Bridge .. thanks it feels good to be contenders and winning is so much better then losing !!