Aaron Palushaj
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Birthday:
1989-09-07 |
Position:
RW |
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Eligible for draft:
2007 |
Shoots:
Right |
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Drafted:
2007 |
Height:
6-0 |
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Acquired:
Waiver claim, 2013 |
Weight:
185 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- C
History
2006-07: Aaron Palushaj spent the season with the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL), where he tallied 22 goals and 67 points in 56 games. He added another 11 points (6g+5a) in eight playoff games.
2007-08: This was Palushaj’s rookie season with the Michigan Blue (CCHA). In 43 games he scored 10 goals, 34 assists (led league and team/second in the Nation) and 44 points (third in the nation among rookies). He was a CCHA All-Rookie team honorable mention. He also helped Michigan take the CCHA title.
2008-09: The winger spent the majority of his season with the University of Michigan (CCHA), netting 13 goals, 37 assists (led league/third in Nation) and 50 points (second in CCHA), all of which are career-highs. He was nominated to the West All-American team and the All-CCHA squad. He also competed with the US National U20 squad, where he scored two goals and five points.
2009-10: Aaron split his time in the minors between Peoria and Hamilton, appearing in 62 games total with 32 points. Palushaj was traded from the St. Louis Blues to Montreal.
2010-11: Palushaj made his NHL debut – appearing in three games in March with the Canadiens – and was AHL Hamilton's leading scorer in his first full season with the Montreal organization. Palushaj was scoreless and +1 with 2 PMs in limited ice time (8:31 per game) with the Canadiens. In 68 AHL games with Hamilton he scored 22 goals with 35 assists and was +22 for the North Division champion Bulldogs. Palushaj appeared in 19 of 20 playoff games as the Bulldogs reached the AHL semifinals. Palushaj scored 7 goals with 12 assists and was Hamilton's second leading scorer behind one-time New York Ranger Nigel Dawes who led the Bulldogs with 22 points.
2011-12: Palushaj spent more time in the NHL this season but only had one goal along with four assists in 38 NHL games which is surprising from the offensively talented winger. It was a well-travelled season of call-ups to Montreal and re-assignments back to Hamilton for Palushaj which has caused his offensive numbers to drop in the AHL. He managed to be one of the leading point-getter, scoring 15 goals (seven on the power play) along with 20 assists in 35 AHL games for the Bulldogs who were a team that struggled to score goals all year.
Talent Analysis
Palushaj boasts well-honed game all around, with a combination of hockey intelligence, speed, and work ethic. He can stickhandle and make smart passes, and isn't afraid to fight for possession of the puck.
Future
Palushaj was claimed via waivers by the Colorado Avalanche in February of 2013. He might get a longer look in the NHL with the Avalanche, but he'll need to impress enough to avoid being relegated to the minors once again.
