"Eric is a veteran defenseman with NHL experience," said Waddell. "He had a strong season in a leadership role in Sweden last year, and adding him helps solidify our defensive depth."
Gelinas, 30, posted 34 points (8g, 26a) in 46 games with Rögle BK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) in 2020-21. He ranked fourth in points among SHL defensemen, and his +22 rating ranked second in the league. The 6'4", 216-pound defenseman has skated in 90 career SHL games since 2019, earning 56 points (14g, 42a). He also played 52 games with Slovan Bratislava of the Kontinental Hockey League during the 2018-19 season, recording 15 points (5g, 10a). Gelinas tallied 55 points (14g, 41a) in 189 career NHL games with New Jersey and Colorado from 2013-2017. He also spent time in the American Hockey League (AHL) with Albany, San Antonio and Laval from 2011-18, registering 102 points (39g, 63a) in 236 career AHL games. Gelinas led all AHL defensemen with 16 goals as a rookie in 2011-12. Prior to turning professional, he earned 133 points (31g, 102a) in 244 games with Lewiston, Chicoutimi and Saint John of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He also posted 12 points (5g, 7a) in 19 playoff games in 2011 to help Saint John capture the President's Cup and the Memorial Cup. The Vanier, Ont., native was selected by New Jersey in the second round, 54th overall, of the 2009 NHL Draft.
