Former Rampage forward, Brian Flynn, has signed with Zug of the NLA, Switzerland’s top professional league. Flynn asked for, and after clearing waivers, was given his release from his NHL deal with the St. Louis Blues on January 19th. The Swiss team announced his contract early this morning.
Flynn arrived in San Antonio as a free agent signing from Dallas on July 1st. In 21 games this season, the 30 year old veteran registered one goal and eight assists. Flynn missed 17 games in November and December as a result of an upper body injury sustained against Manitoba on November 13th when former Rampage center Felix Girard caught him with a check to the head.
Flynn was making top dollar for an AHL player this season, and this move certainly raised some eyebrows as to why he would walk away from his deal. Stephen Meserve (@100degreehockey), who covered Flynn with the Texas Stars last season, speculated that this could be a health related decision for Flynn. Meserve wrote about Severin Blindenbacher back in 2011 under very similar circumstances. The AHL is known as one of the more physical leagues, and it’s possible that Flynn felt going to the less physical NLA was in the best interest of his health.
Flynn’s departure leaves the already shorthanded Rampage in a bind. Ryan Tesink was signed to a PTO before the weekend set with Manitoba and, due to call ups and injuries, had to play shorthanded on Sunday.
The Rampage travel to Milwaukee to take on the Admirals on Tuesday before returning home Friday night for the first of three home games before heading out on their annual month-long Rodeo Road Trip on Feb 7th.
Running With the Herd 