The first free agency signing for the Rochester Americans has quietly occurred with Rick Schofield being signed. Â Schofield scored eight goals and had nine assists as a center that played in 73 regular season games last season for the Syracuse Crunch. Â He played in four seasons for Lake Superior State University and was signed by the Anaheim Ducks as an undrafted free agent.
Jonathan Bombulie, covers the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, always puts together a list of the Top 250 AHL free agents and he had Schofield listed as #233. Â The list is not the ultimate ranking but everyone who covers the AHL considers it a good one.
Rick Schofield (@rjschofield) signs with Rochester after playing 2 seasons with Syracuse. Will bring veteran experience down the middle.
— Daniel Tolensky (@dtolensky) July 3, 2012
Amerks fans had hoped for the first player signed to be a bigger name but we’ll see what the kid is capable of. Â The current center’s on the roster are now Phil Varone, Luke Adam, Rick Schofield, Kevin Sundher and Brian Flynn. Â Luke Adam could play left wing as well, depends where the coaching staff feel he’ll be best at. Â Not a fearful list of centers for opponents at all, there’s still work to be done. Â This was a position that hurt the Amerks last season and everyone knew it and knows it’s a position that needs attention.
Alexandra who writes about the Syracuse Crunch on her site Chairman How’s Glorious Army wrote this:
@LetsGoAmerks Fantastic pick up, one I wanted TBL to seriously consider. Hardest worker from last year, Unsung Hero in my mind.
— Alexandra (@Allovimo) July 3, 2012
Schofield is likely a character player that the Sabres feel has some potential. Â A work in progress. Â Welcome to Rochester Rick, make sure to try a garbage plate when you arrive, everyone will be asking if you have!
You can follow Rick Schofield on Twitter @rjschofield
To get quick updates on what’s going on with player additions make sure to follow me on Twitter @LetsGoAmerks
