Two points.

Yes I’m a little late to the part as this signing was made public back in mid-June.

The title of this article is a little misleading but now you’re here let me tell you about what Coventry have gained by acquiring the services of David Broll.

In truth the 26 year old has struggled in the ranks of North American professional hockey after being drafted 152nd overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2011.

Broll did suit up on five occasions for the Leafs and teed up Joffrey Lupul for a goal, with an assist his single contribution in the scoring department.

Realistically the Ontario native knew his time in Toronto was short-lived after failing to pull up any tree’s in the AHL with the Marlies and was traded to Tampa Bay.

From 2014-2018, Broll managed to carve himself a limited AHL role with Syracuse Crunch, St. John’s IceCaps and Laval Rocket but having signed with Providence Bruins for the most recent campaign, the former Toronto prospect found himself languishing in the ECHL and suiting up for just thirty games in total through 2018-19.

It’s no surprise then that the Canadian forward has opted to broaden his horizons with a move overseas and I think Coventry could reap the benefits of a player searching for a new lease of life and an opportunity higher in the line-up.

Broll isn’t going to dazzle you with highlight reel plays or stunning goals but he’s a strong, physical player capable of holding onto possession, winning battles in the dirty areas and creating space for line-mates in the process.

A largely responsible two-way forward for the most-part, I’d expect Broll to be given the task of penalty killing and be used in key situations when shutting down a certain line or holding onto a slim lead is required.

Nicknamed the ‘Brolldozer’, the left winger certainly never shies away from confrontation and I’m certain the Blaze fans will love the style of play he will bring. The key for success however is going to be controlled aggression.

The good:

The bad:

What Coventry will also likely benefit from is Broll’s work in the community as he’s shown himself to be one of the msot engaging players away from the ice.

He was named St. John’s IceCaps Speciality AHL Man of the Year in 2016/17 (for his outstanding contributions to his local community and charitable organizations) and has been a a very active team representative for the Professional Hockey Players Association.