Another top college prospect has decided that the time is right to turn pro. The Predators announced that they have signed forward Matthew Wood to a three-year, entry-level contract. Financial terms of the deal, which begins this season, were not disclosed.
The 20-year-old was the 15th overall selection back in 2023, following a very impressive freshman season at the University of Connecticut. That year, he had 11 goals and 23 assists in 35 games before averaging nearly two points per game for Canada at the World Under-18s, further boosting his stock heading into the draft.
But things didn’t go as well for Wood last season. His point total dropped to 28 in 34 games although 16 of those were goals. Nevertheless, he opted to enter the transfer portal after the season, joining the University of Minnesota.
Wood played for Canada at the World Juniors last year but didn’t make the squad this season. However, he had a strong year for the Golden Gophers, setting new benchmarks in goals (17) and points (39) in 39 contests, good for a share of second place in team scoring while earning him a spot on the All-Big Ten Honorable Mention team.
Wood will now get his first taste of NHL action as he’ll report to the Predators in the coming days. Because he’s burning the first year of his contract this season, he will not be eligible to report to AHL Milwaukee when Nashville’s season comes to an end. The Preds have ten games left this season so Wood should have a chance to get at least a few games in with the big club, giving him a chance to make a good first impression toward a possible full-time spot next season.
I wanted to draft Wood over Yager and like him more than McGroarty. We’ll see who has the best career.