Johnstown Chiefs coach Ian Herbers acquired the rights to two Alaska Aces for the rights to all-star forward Alexandre Imbeault on Tuesday.
“We thank Alexandre for last year. It was a pleasure working with him,” Herbers said of Imbeault, who had 26 goals and 62 points in 56 games. “We wish him the best for his future. We just couldn’t come to terms.”
When contract talks stalled, Herbers adapted. He obtained the rights to Alaska forwards Matt Robinson and Michael Lambert. Herbers said Robinson, 23, already has agreed to terms with Johnstown.
“Matt brings some size. He’s a power forward. He’s got a touch around the net and is a proven goal-scorer,” Herbers said.
The 6-foot-1, 186-pound Robinson had 19 goals and 37 points in 58 games with the Aces last season. Two years ago, he had 21 goals and 34 points for Alaska. The South Surrey, British Columbia, native has appeared in 23 Kelly Cup playoffs games in the past two seasons.
Lambert, 6-5, 220, had eight goals and 14 points in 28 games after joining the Aces in February. He began last season playing in Germany. The 24-year-old has extensive AHL experience with the Hamilton Bulldogs, appearing in 128 games during three seasons.
“Michael Lambert has some size and skill,” Herbers said of the former Montreal Canadiens fourth-round pick (2002). “With Matt Robinson, we’ve agreed on terms. With Michael right now it’s just his rights. We’ll see where it goes from there. He’s played in the American League a couple years. He’s won a Calder Cup with Hamilton. He’s a winger who will bring us size and skill off the wing.”
Losing an all-star such as Imbeault is tough, but Herbers believes the Chiefs have addressed another need that should help the team compete in the physical North Division.
“Matt Robinson was somebody that I was talking to last summer as well,” Herbers said. “I think in this North Division with the teams and what we see in recruiting right now, it’s important to bring in some size and speed with the combination of skill. It will give us more strength on the wing.”
The coach also was pleased by last week’s signing of veteran defenseman Mike Knight, who had nine goals, 34 points and 137 penalty minutes in 55 games last season.
“It was a key part of our summer getting Mike Knight back in a Chiefs uniform,” Herbers said. “He brought stability to the back end last year. He was a leader on and off the ice. He plays a physical style. He’s good on the power play and penalty kill. He has offensive skills as well. He’s somebody we can play in every situation – the power play, penalty kill, 4-on-4 and even strength.”
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