The Carolina Hurricanes have inked one of their previous draft picks, signing Jeremy Helvig to a three-year entry-level contract. The deal is worth $650K in 2018-19, and $700K in the following two years (with respectively smaller number if he plays in the AHL). Helvig played this season for the Kingston Frontenacs, and needed to be signed by June 1st.
Helvig was selected in the fifth round two years ago after an exceptional 2015-16 campaign with the Frontenacs as a part-time starter. Since then, he’s taken over the starting job but has put up less impressive results. That won’t stop the Hurricanes from developing him as a legitimate NHL prospect though, given his size—6’4″ 2o7-lbs— and athleticism.
Currently in the OHL playoffs against North Bay, if Kingston is eliminated soon he could get into some action at the AHL level on an amateur tryout. Neither goaltender in Charlotte has put together an outstanding season, though the Checkers are headed for the playoffs themselves. If the Hurricanes really want to challenge Helvig, he could jump right into game action this season. Since he turns 21 in May, he’ll be headed to the minor leagues next year anyway.
Have you seen the Checkers play this season? Ned has been very good this year and will be in the NHL next season.