ECHL: Toledo Walleye Lack Defensemen; Sign Player in Retirement

The Toledo Walleye are part of the ECHL, a league where turnover and roster movement happen quicker than a hiccup. Over the past few weeks, Toledo has had to shuffle their defensive lineup due to call-ups and injuries, including signing a former Walleye player out of retirement.

Toledo Walleye suffer defense shortages

The defense has been subject to discussion this season as they have been up and down as far as consistency goes. The forwards have been excellent and have plenty of firepower, while the goaltending has been solid as they have excellent win/ loss records. The defense has done well to a point but could use some more size and fine-tuning.

Subtractions

Defenseman Will Cullen, in his first season with the Walleye, surprised the fan base by signing with the Belfast Giants of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). He was playing well for Toledo, posting five goals and 10 assists for 15 points and 33 penalty minutes in 28 games. He could supply offense with a bit of toughness so he will be missed at both ends of the ice.

Defenseman Antti Tuomisto was recalled to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League (AHL). Tuomisto, an offensive defenseman, posted four goals and two assists for six points in five games with Toledo. This season for Grand Rapids, he has three goals and one assist for four points in 12 games. He will also be missed, especially on the power play and the transition game, which he excelled at.

Additions

The Walleye received defenseman Brandon Machaelian on loan from the Fayetteville Marksmen of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). He is 6-foot-0 and 172 pounds and plays a solid 200-foot game. This season for Fayetteville, he has two goals and ten assists for 12 points and 17 penalty minutes in 22 games. He is scoreless in three games with Toledo.

The Walleye signed defenseman Gordi Myer, who was retired, to a standard player contract to help out on defense temporarily. He did not stick around long enough, as he played one game and was released when Toledo got reinforcements on the back end.

Defenseman Michael Prapavessis signed a standard player contract. The 6-foot-1 and 183-pound native of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, was drafted by the Dallas Stars 105th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft but never played above the AHL. In 12 games with the Walleye, he has five assists and is a competitive player who plays well in all three zones. He helps solidify what is once again a defensive unit.

The ECHL is a developmental league used to roster shuffling and teams playing short-handed. The Toledo Walleye got hit hard and fast, searching for answers and replacements. Like history has shown with Toledo teams, they both received and signed players who filled that role and have not looked out of place. It is unknown how long they will wear a Walleye jersey, but it fills a giant hole in the Toledo roster. General Manager Neil Neukam has done an excellent job replacing players who left and getting players that fill that Toledo hockey mold.