Veteran winger signs with AHL’s Chicago Wolves

The Chicago Wolves have signed forward Max Comtois to a one-year AHL contract.

The news was first reported by Inside AHL Hockey’s Tony Androckitis on Sunday, and confirmed by the team on Monday after practice.

Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek confirmed on Sunday that Comtois has a clause allowing him to sign with an NHL team if an offer comes around.

The Wolves are the lone AHL team without an NHL affiliate, electing to go fully independent after spending the past few years as part of the Carolina Hurricanes organization.

Comtois joined the Vegas Golden Knights on a professional tryout offer last month during training camp. He didn’t ultimately sign with the club, as the team is dealing with a cap crunch situation. He failed to record a point through four exhibition contests.

Drafted 50th overall in 2017, Comtois has had an up-and-down pro hockey career. He made the Ducks out of training camp in 2018-19, and impressed with seven points in 10 games. He was later returned to the QMJHL before putting up some solid numbers during the San Diego Gulls’ playoff run that season.

Comtois’ best NHL season was his first full year in the league, recording 16 goals and 33 points in 55 games. He looked to become a permanent top-six fixture in Anaheim’s lineup, but injuries, inconsistent play and some trips to the press box left him with just six goals and 16 points. Comtois followed that up with just 19 points in 64 games last year, resulting in the Ducks moving on without giving the 24-year-old a qualifying offer.

In 35 AHL games, Comtois has 10 goals and 25 points, all with San Diego. He also has a strong Canadian national team CV, highlighted by 13 points in 20 World Championship games, capped off with a gold medal in 2021 and a silver in 2022.