According to sources, the Buffalo Bandits and Toronto Rock are expected to be big players for free agent Minnesota defenseman Jeff Gilbert. The Swarm are unlikely to sign the unrestricted free agent.
Minnesota has qualified their other left handed defenseman, Greg Downing, so they’ll be keeping him around. The rest of the Minnesota defense consists of Alex Crepisneck, Jordan Houtby, Mike Hobbins and, if he plays, Mitch Belisle.
Buffalo have been the big players for Gilbert according to sources with information on free agency. Toronto has also become pursuers for the services of Gilbert. Gilbert began his career with Toronto in 2009 before he went to the Swarm in 2011. The defenseman has 52 career points and 144 penalty minutes.
Other than Belisle when he plays and Downing, Gilbert has been the most veteran player for the Swarm the past two seasons. He had a career high 105 loose balls last season with the Swarm.
Toronto, a team who is always known for their defense, struggled defensively somewhat last season so the addition of Gilbert could be of help.
