South Buffalo native and former Sabres forward Tim Kennedy returned to the NHL on Tuesday, skating 15:33 in the San Jose Sharks’ 1-0 overtime loss in Nashville.
Kennedy had been dominating the AHL, compiling 13 goals and 37 points in 37 games with Worchester.
The 26-year-old last played in the big leagues on Jan. 5, 2012 with the Florida Panthers.
Kennedy’s NHL career famously derailed in August 2010 when the Sabres walked away from a $1 million arbitration award following his 10-goal, 26-point rookie season.
Incredibly, Kennedy’s already with his fourth NHL club, having also spent time on the New York Rangers’ roster in 2010-11.
Kennedy hasn’t recaptured whatever he had while playing 78 games three seasons ago, his only full NHL campaign.
He puts up some strong AHL numbers – 49 points two years ago and 31 in only 35 games last season – but has done little offensively in the NHL. He scored one goal and two points in 27 contests last year.
Still, the Sharks awarded him a nice opportunity Tuesday, playing him on the second line with Ryan Clowe and Logan Couture.
