Zalewski and Bachman Sign Extensions

by Mark Caswell, Jr.

Jul 13, 2016

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning announced today that the Canucks have signed forward Mike Zalewski and goaltender Richard Bachman each to a one-year, two-way contract extension.

Zalewski, 23, appeared in 58 games for the AHL Utica Comets this past season where he ranked tied for fifth in points (33) and tied for third in goals (16). He also skated in three games for Vancouver in 2015.16, collecting an assist (0-1-1) along with two penalty minutes. In 2014.15, Zalewski collected 12 points (3-9-12) and 18 penalty minutes in 55 games played with the Comets. He made his NHL debut on April 12, 2014 at Edmonton and registered his first NHL point (assist) the following night versus Calgary.

Prior to making his professional debut in 2014, the 6-2, 205-pound forward spent two seasons with the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Engineers. In 71 career NCAA games, Zalewski compiled 47 points (21-26-47) and 75 penalty minutes.

The New Hartford, New York, native was signed by Vancouver as a free agent on March 14, 2014.

Bachman, 28, spent the 2015-16 season with the Utica Comets, posting a record of 17-12-5 and a goals against average of 2.75. He also made his debut with the Canucks last season, registering a win on October 30 at Arizona. The 5'10", 176 pound goaltender has played in 43 career NHL games, amassing a record of 18-14-2, 2.93 goals against average and save percentage of .904.

On the international stage, the Salt Lake City, Utah native represented the United State at the 2012 IIHF World Hockey Championship, earning a win in his only start. Prior to his professional career, Bachman played two seasons at Colorado College. He was named WCHA Player and Rookie of the Year, NCAA Rookie of the Year and NCAA West First Team All-American with a record of 25-9-1, four shutouts, and program-record GAA (1.85) and save percentage (.931).

Bachman was signed by Vancouver as a free agent on July 1, 2015. He was originally selected by Dallas in the fourth round, 120th overall, at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.