With their health improving, the Checkers have released forwards Kyle Jean and Gabriel Desjardins from their professional tryout contracts.
Jean, 24, notched two assists in eight games with the Checkers since joining them from the ECHL’s Greenville Road Warriors on Nov. 10. Meanwhile, Desjardins, 22, scored one assist in five games after coming up from Charlotte’s ECHL affiliate in Florida on Nov. 18. Both sat out Tuesday’s 3-2 overtime loss against the Norfolk Admirals as healthy extras.
Since Jean and Desjardins initially joined the Checkers, the team was able to welcome Ben Holmstrom (injury) and Carter Sandlak (suspension) back into the fold. Though he has not yet returned to action, Jared Staal, who last suited up on Nov. 15, is medically cleared to play. Patrick Brown and Brody Sutter remain sidelined.
Even with Wednesday’s releases, the Checkers still employ two forwards on PTOs – A.J. Jenks, who has five points (2g, 3a) in 15 games, and Andrew Rowe, who has one assist in 12 outings. Both have played in every game since joining the team on Oct. 24 and Nov. 2, respectively.
The Checkers complete their current five-game home stand with a pair of games against the Iowa Wild on Saturday and Monday.
