You can’t really have a better start to the season than Ian Scott. The junior goaltender is off to a record-setting start with the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL, has a chance to represent Canada at the World Junior Championship, and has now signed his first professional contract. The Toronto Maple Leafs announced the signing of a three-year entry-level contract with Scott, who they selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft.
It’s hard to argue that Scott hasn’t done enough to earn this contract, given that he is currently 23-2-1 for the Raiders with a .943 save percentage. The 19-year old goaltender got to experience the professional level with the Toronto Marlies last season, joining them on an amateur tryout throughout their Calder Cup run and soaking up tips from Garret Sparks and Calvin Pickard. The 6’3″ netminder returned to junior and has taken a gigantic step forward, improving from an .897 save percentage—his career high to that point with the Raiders.
Like all young goaltenders, there is no way to know if Scott is going to ever make it to the NHL. There are several huge steps he’ll have to take before that’s ever a possibility. Still, he’s done everything asked of him since being picked 110th overall and should join the Marlies after his junior season ends. It’s unclear when exactly that will be though, as the powerhouse Raiders are Memorial Cup contenders to be sure this season.
Should be a great addition and a cheap goalie option if he plans out when Freddie’s contract is done
Luukkonen may have some competition for tourney’s best goaltender after all.