The news that Karl Stewart had signed to play with the German League’s Straubing Tigers next season popped up on the internet on Monday afternoon, about six days earlier than he had hoped.

The 25 year old winger was considered one of the “older guys” on the team.  He’s been a goal scorer this season as well as provided leadership.  He share’s the team lead with 18 goals, tied with Michal Repik and Stefan Meyer.

Here’s a quote from the Democrat and Chronicle:

“If I had a crystal ball and I knew what Rochester’s plans were, I would love to re-sign in Rochester,” Stewart said. “You can’t put a price on being close to home. My parents get to see me play, can go home whenever. But this was job security and if you ask any hockey player what he wants, it’s job security.”

You can read more quotes from Karl Stewart on Kevin O’s blog here.

Not too long after this became news the Amerks announced a press conference with team Owner Curt Styres and Jacques Martin, General Manager of the Florida Panthers to talk about the future.

It could turn out that the future was only days away from being known and a proven leader and reliable player in Karl Stewart could have been kept in the organization.