The Charlotte Checkers added several AHL-contracted players during the summer. Brian Pinho signed a two-year, one-way AHL deal after a career-high 25 goals and 49 points in 65 games and a seven-year pro total of 189 points in 362 AHL contests. Dennis Cesana and Nicholas Zabaneh each signed one-year, one-way AHL contracts after splitting time between Charlotte and Savannah; Cesana has 15 AHL points and a 50-point ECHL season, while Zabaneh produced modest rookie numbers and attended Florida's 2024 Development Camp. Riley Hughes re-signed to a one-year, one-way AHL contract on July 10.
On July 2, the Checkers inked forward Brian Pinho to a two-year, one-way AHL contract. The 30-year-old set career highs last season with the Bridgeport Islanders by racking up 25 goals and 49 points in 65 games and earned himself a spot in the AHL All-Star Classic. Over his seven professional seasons, Pinho has recorded 189 points (84G/105A) in 362 games for Bridgeport, Utica and Hershey.
He collected two helpers in six postseason games as the Checkers made a run to the Calder Cup Finals. Cesana has also suited up in 62 ECHL games over his career, including last season's impressive campaign for the Savannah Ghost Pirates where he put up 50 points (14G/36A) in 52 games - a total that tied for fifth among all league defensemen and earned him a spot on the ECHL Second All-Star Team.
Three days later, the Checkers brought back defenseman Dennis Cesana and forward Nicholas Zabaneh with each of the pair signing one-year, one-way AHL contracts. Like Cesana, the 24-year-old Zabaneh, also split last season between Charlotte and Savannah. As a rookie he produced two goals and four points in 31 games for the Checkers and six goals and 15 points in 21 games for the Ghost Pirates. The undrafted Zabaneh attended Florida's 2024 Development Camp and earned a contract.
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