By Warren Kozireski —
A lot has changed for recently turned 27-year-old Buffalo native Dylan Blujus since he was a second-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2012.
After two-plus seasons under his entry-level contract with Tampa American Hockey League affiliate Syracuse, the unsigned free agent had to begin the 2017-18 season in the East Coast Hockey League in Jacksonville before playing his way back to the AHL with Utica.
Now the 6’3”, 203 lb. defenseman begins another chapter closer to home after signing a free agent contract with Rochester.
“He was a high draft pick for a reason,” Rochester first year head coach Seth Appert said recently. “We look for him to bring stability to our blueline and be a calm presence for us.”
From prime prospect to veteran influence in seven short years, but an eternity in hockey years. But Blujus knows his role with his new team.
“I’ve played with older guys and I want to lead by example,” Blujus said in a recent press conference. “Get them (the younger players) comfortable and let them know how to be a pro.
“I try to be a vocal player and help other players get better every day. It’s a tough transition from juniors to pro.
“We’re going to be a fast team with lots of skilled forwards.”
It all started with the Buffalo Regals organization before Blujus decided to go the Canadian junior route for four years in the Ontario Junior Hockey League with Brampton and then North Bay after the franchise moved.
And now he has decided to come even closer to home.
“I can’t complain one bit,” Blujus said about signing with the Amerks. “I know a lot of guys who have played in Rochester and was always a little jealous.
And maybe a bit of fate played a part as well.
“My father died a little over a year ago and the last game he went to see me play was in Rochester.”
(Comets Photo)
