Monday: The team has officially announced the signing, confirming that it will be a two-year contract that starts in 2018-19. Calderone will join the Texas Stars on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the season.
Sunday: Mere hours after the Edmonton Oilers signed University of Michigan forward Cooper Marody to his entry-level deal, a Wolverines teammate has joined him in inking his own first pro deal. The Dallas Stars have signed forward Tony Calderone to an ELC, Calderone revealed on Instagram. The Stars have yet to confirm the deal and no term or financial details have been disclosed, but judging by Calderone’s photo, it’s safe to say the deal is done.
Calderone, 23, was a four-year starter in Ann Arbor for the Michigan Wolverines, but really took off in his senior season. Skating on the top line with Marody and Dexter Dancs – a line that shut down Northeastern’s “best line in college hockey” featuring Hobey Baker finalists Adam Gaudette and Dylan Sikura in the Northeast Regional – Calderone recorded 45 points in 40 games this season. Calderone was second on the Wolverines in points, behind only Marody, and his 25 goals paced the team by a wide margin.
The Michigan captain meets an immediate need to the Stars organization. Dallas is sorely lacking in right shot forwards, both at AHL level and in the pipeline. Barring the results of the draft, Calderone could very easily be the Stars’ top right wing prospect heading into next season. The well-rounded forward brings a smart, capable game and may even push for a spot in Dallas early on in his first pro campaign.