Barons sign Nesbitt, Ford to AHL deals

The Oklahoma City Barons have signed forwards Derek Nesbitt and Matthew Ford to American Hockey League contracts.

Nesbitt, a native of Egmondville, Ont., played 67 regular-season games with Peoria and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2012-13, registering a career-high 26 goals along with 21 assists for 47 points. He added six assists in 14 Calder Cup Playoff games with the Penguins.

A veteran of 320 AHL games, Nesbitt has recorded 92 goals and 111 assists for 203 points over the last six seasons. He has also tallied three goals and 11 assists for 14 points in 31 career AHL postseason games.

Ford is heading into his sixth season as a professional. Last season, Ford totaled nine goals and 15 assists for 24 points in 53 AHL games split between Adirondack and Springfield.

Ford put up career highs in 2011-12, totaling 29 goals, 30 assists and 59 points between Adirondack and Hershey. In 274 AHL games, Ford has recorded 78 goals and 77 assists for 155 points. He also has three goals and an assist in 11 career Calder Cup Playoff contests.

A native of West Hills, Calif., Ford was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2004 and played four seasons at the University of Wisconsin.