While the Komets are losing Martin Hachae, All-Star forward Jack Dugan will be back for his second season in Fort Wayne.
Jack Dugan had a career year in 2023-24, and the 26-year-old forward is hoping to duplicate that success this coming season. The club announced the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native will return for another season.
Dugan finished fifth in the ECHL in scoring last season. In 70 games, he potted 20 goals and led the league in assists (60) for 80 total points. He also registered 169 penalty minutes.
Dugan was the eighth Komet all-time to lead the ECHL in helpers in a single season. The right-handed shooter was named Team MVP at the end of 2023-24. He also captured the NOB Brick Award for Best Defensive Forward of the Year and represented the Komets in the ECHL All-Star Game.
Prior to turning pro, Dugan played in 71 games for Providence, recording 91 points (20-71-91).
The Komets are certainly glad to have Dugan back, having missed the post-season for the first time since 2013.
"Jack Dugan is an exceptional player," Komets general manager David Franke said following the signing. "He has great skill and he's always a danger to score. He was an All-Star last season and he's back in Kometland for another season., It's great for Jack and even better for the Komets."
In other team news, defenseman Martin Hachae has signed a tryout agreement to play in Czechia this coming season.
The 23-year-old Hachae played in 62 games for Fort Wayne last season, scoring five points (1-4-5). He was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the fifth round (153rd overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft.
To regain his rights with the Komets, Hachae will be placed on team suspension.