Nighthawks sign Martin Kemp; Randy Bobandy returns

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One of the questions coming into Malmo's off-season has been answered, as they team now has six forwards on the roster after the signing of Martin Kemp. The Nighthawks traded a third round pick to Vancouver in exchange for Kemp, an upcoming free agent, with the hopes of signing him before he hit the open market. Within 24-hours of making the trade, Kemp signed a three-year extension. Just prior to the signing, Randy Bobandy also picked up his player option to return to the Nighthawks for his final season.

 

Kemp will replace Gregger McKeggegger on the roster, with the other five forwards from Season 94 returning. Kemp had career highs of 32 goals and 79 points last season. Entering his fourth season with his third team, perhaps Kemp can find some stability with the Nighthawks as they will rely on him for the next few seasons. With Bobandy having just one season left, bringing Kemp in on a long-term deal will be particularly valuable.

 

As for Bobandy, there was little doubt in Malmo that he would return, but it is now a certainty. Last season was his first with the Nighthawks, and he scored a career high 91 points. He has had some ups and downs in his career, but he has over a point-per-game through eight seasons. He scored at least 30 goals in four of those seasons.