The Carolina Hurricanes have signed a couple of their more interesting prospects, inking Warren Foegele and Spencer Smallman to three-year, entry-level contracts. The deals will kick in next season, and paying the pair between $650K and $700K for each of the seasons should they make the NHL. Foegele will earn $70K at the AHL level, while Smallman will receive $65K. Both are already 20, meaning they’ll be heading to the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL should they not make the NHL next season.
Foegele was the Hurricanes’ third-round pick in 2014 and has had a solid season in the OHL this year, scoring 63 points in 61 games split between the Kingston Frontenacs and Erie Otters. He followed it up with six points in Erie’s first round sweep of the Sarnia Sting in the OHL playoffs and will continue his quest for the Memorial Cup next week. A solid skater, Foegele already has the size and strength of a professional player and could slide into the AHL with ease. While he may not have the high-end offensive ability just yet, with a few more years of development he could easily turn into a valuable power forward capable of playing in different situations.
Smallman on the other hand was a fifth-round pick in 2015 that has always been an “intangibles” prospect. Though he does have excellent playmaking ability, his in-your-face style and high hockey IQ led to him being named captain of the Saint John Sea Dogs last season (a role which he reprised this year). With 79 points in 60 games he may just be coming into his own as an offensive player, and should at least be a solid addition to the Checkers for next year.
Saint John also swept their first round series, meaning both prospects are still in the thick of their respective playoff runs. Perhaps a nice reward for their solid play thus far, they’ll have a professional contract to fall back on whenever their seasons do come to an end.