Nailers acquire Lynch from Manchester

WHEELING, W.Va. - The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced the team has acquired forward Zac Lynch from the Manchester Monarchs in exchange for future considerations. Lynch has signed an ECHL contract, making him the second player under contract for the upcoming season.

Lynch, 26, is set to begin his third full season of professional hockey, after spending the majority of his first two years with the Monarchs. He first debuted as a pro with the American Hockey League's Portland Pirates at the end of the 2015-16 season, picking up one assist in seven games. In his rookie campaign of 2016-17, he was a point-per-game player with Manchester, amassing 34 points (18g-16a) in 34 games, while also appearing in 21 contests with the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds. Last season, Lynch finished second on the Monarchs in scoring, racking up 46 points (22g-24a) in 58 matches. Once again, he saw AHL time as well, collecting three points in eight games with the Utica Comets.

Prior to turning pro, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native attended Robert Morris University, where he posted 156 points (67go-89a) in 152 games. His 67 goals and 156 points both rank second in school history, while his 89 assists rank third. Lynch's best season with the Colonials was his senior year of 2015-16, when he recorded 55 points (25g-30a) in 39 games. The 55 points are the second most in a single season in school history.