Devils Sign Jay Leach to One-Year Contract

According to thehockeynews.com, the New Jersey Devils have signed defenseman Jay Leach to a one-year, two-way contract worth $525,000. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He was acquired by New Jersey on February 9 from the San Jose Sharks along with Steven Zalewski in exchange for Patrick Davis and Michael Swift. Leach appeared in seven games with the Devils after the trade, scoring no points. He also appeared in 66 games with Worcester and Albany of the AHL, scoring two goals and seven assists for nine points. This is really just a depth signing for the Devils, as Leach will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors, where he will provide plenty of defensive depth and grit for Albany.

Sharks Acquire Davis, Swift from Devils for Leach, Zalewski

The San Jose Sharks announced on Wednesday night that they have acquired right wing Patrick Davis and center Michael Swift from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Jay Leach and center Steven Zalewski. Davis, Swift, and Zalewski will all be eligible for restricted free agency this summer, while Leach will be an unrestricted free agent. In 40 games this season with Albany of the AHL, Davis has 13 points, while Swift has 28 points in 48 games with Albany as well. In 50 games this season with Worcester of the AHL, Zalewski has 21 points, while Leach has five points with Worcester. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as all four players will likely spend the rest of the season in the minors. However, Leach could possibly see time with the Devils if injuries begin to mount on their blueline like they did earlier in the season.

Sharks Re-Sign Defenseman Jay Leach

The San Jose Sharks announced today that they have re-signed defenseman Jay Leach to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He was acquired by San Jose off waivers from the Montreal Canadiens last December. In 35 games last season with the Canadiens and Sharks, he had one goal and one assist for two points and 25 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth signing for the Sharks. Leach is a gritty, tough, defensive defenseman, but will likely spend much of next season as a seventh defenseman, and potentially, a frequent healthy scratch.

Sharks Claim Leach Off Waivers from Canadiens

The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have claimed defenseman Jay Leach off waivers from the Montreal Canadiens. The Sharks make the third team Leach has played for so far this season, previously being claimed off waivers by the Canadiens from the New Jersey Devils in November. He has no points and five penalty minutes in seven games so far this season. This is really nothing more than a depth move for the Sharks to give them a little more experience and toughness on the blueline.