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Poll: Which College Signing Will Make The Biggest Impact In 2024-25?

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A contract signing frenzy has broken out across the NHL as the NCAA season draws to a close. Teams are in a mad dash to lock up their star prospects, or sign impactful free agents who slipped through the cracks of the draft. The range of outcomes for these fresh pro recruits will stretch across the hockey world. Some will finish their seasons on amateur try-out contracts in the minor leagues, while others have earned a proud AHL shot, and even more find themselves suddenly thrust into the NHL lineup. The group of signees is headlined by prospects with years of anticipation behind them, joining teams with important games left on the docket. Those big additions lead to the natural next question – which college signing will make the biggest impact through the remainder of the year?

University of Minnesota star Jimmy Snuggerud may be an easy top guess. The 20-year-old right-wing has joined a St. Louis Blues team in the midst of a nine-game win-streak that’s propelled them into a confident playoff spot. St. Louis’ success has come in no small part thanks to rookie Zachary Bolduc, who has 16 goals and 31 points in 65 games this season. He’s been backed by other thriving young forwards, like Dylan Holloway and Jake Neighbours. The Blues have leaned into their youth movement by promoting top AHL scorer Dalibor Dvorsky to the top flight, after he potted 20 goals and 43 points in 57 minor league games. Now, St. Louis also adds the snappy shot of Snuggerud after he managed a dazzling 24 goals and 51 points in 40 games of his junior season. Snuggerud doesn’t shy away from physicality and plays a cool, calm, and collected game that should blend well with a Blues offense that’s firing on all cylinders since the calendar turned over.

But St. Louis’ Central Division rivals have a pair of new faces who could find their way to a big splash. The Chicago Blackhawks may be well outside of postseason contention, but they’ve received their own injection of young potential by signing Snuggerud’s UMN teammates, centerman Oliver Moore and defenseman Sam Rinzel. Both players filled top-end roles for the Gophers this season, to dazzling results. Rinzel took home the Big Ten’s ’Defenseman of the Year’ honors this year, after recording 10 goals and 32 points in 40 games of his sophomore season. Moore just narrowly outscored him, potting 12 goals and 33 points in 38 games of his own. The pair have already made their NHL debuts – and while neither scored, they were both instantly noticeable amid a Blackhawks offense that’s slowed down as of late. Chicago is looking towards the future as the season draws to a close, and strong performances out of Moore or Rinzel could go a long way towards cementing their top-of-the-lineup role through next season. It seems Rinzel’s spot may already be locked up – after he recorded over 20 minutes of ice time and four shots on net in his debut.

There’s even more to watch from Gopher alums in the Central Division – with Matthew Wood inking a deal with the Nashville Predators after completing his junior year at UMN. Wood ranked second on the Gophers in scoring behind Snuggerud, with 17 goals and 39 points in 39 games this season. It was an impressive performance for the fresh-transfer – but perhaps even more impressive, it was Wood’s first time not leading his team in scoring since he made his junior hockey debut in the 2020-21 season. He’s a fierce shooter, with the heft and skating to push his way into space, even against top competition. He could quickly find a role on a Predators team that lost Mark Jankowski at the Trade Deadline – and one that’s in desperate need of a booming top prospect to spark hopes.

While the Gophers look to take control of the Central Division, the Metropolitan Division could soon be controlled by Eagles. Boston College stars Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault have inked their first pro deals, signing with the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers respectively. The duo are absolute top prospects who have spent the vast majority of the last four seasons playing on the same line. Leonard is a beefy sniper capable of driving down the boards with speed and getting the puck on net quick. Perreault is a bit more nimble – and uses a strong drive to overwhelm opponents on the forecheck and quick hands to beat them in his paths to the net. Both have done nothing but sparkle with their individual efforts, and seem fully capable of translating at least some of their upside to the NHL right away. Leonard will join the best team in the league, while Perreault will join a squad currently in tight contention for the Eastern Conference’s second Wild Card. Both roles should lead to major roles that could lead the top names to quick scoring.

Plenty of other signings across the hockey world could pay off sooner rather than later. Even if they don’t, the chance to watch top prospects finally donning their NHL jerseys is hard no to be excited over. Who do you think will make the biggest impact? Vote below:

For mobile users, click here to vote.

Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports.

Hiroki Gojsic And Kalan Lind Assigned To Milwaukee

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  • The Predators announced that they’ve reassigned wingers Hiroki Gojsic and Kalan Lind to AHL Milwaukee. Gojsic was a late third-round pick in June and has already signed his entry-level deal.  The 18-year-old had 20 goals and 17 assists in 61 games this season with WHL Kelowna but with the Rockets missing the playoffs, he’s eligible to be sent to the minors.  As for Lind, he wrapped up his major junior career with WHL Red Deer, tallying 12 goals and 15 assists in 37 games with the Rebels.  A 2023 second-round selection, Lind has also already signed his entry-level deal and since he’s 20, he’ll be turning pro full-time next season, an option that won’t be available to Gojsic.

Colton Sissons Sustains Injury, Potentially Opening Door For Matthew Wood

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Nashville Predators’ forward Colton Sissons sustained what appeared to be a serious leg injury in last night’s loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, and the injury could result in a lengthy absence, per Alex Daughtery of the Nashville Tennessean.

With less than five minutes left in the first period, Sissons was hit by Vegas forward Brett Howden and landed hard on his left leg. He needed to be helped off the ice and was unable to put weight on his leg. If leaving the arena in crutches wasn’t a big enough indicator, post-game comments made by teammates and coaches led to speculation surrounding the serious nature of the injury. As an example, defenseman Nick Blankenburg asked for everyone to keep Sissons “in their prayers,” while Head coach Andrew Brunette added that Sissons is a “heart and soul guy” and that the team was a little “shocked” by the injury, per team reporter Brooks Bratten.

The 31-year-old Sissons has spent his entire career in Nashville and has experienced the highs and lows of the franchise along the way. This includes the team’s run to the Stanley Cup finals during the 2016-17 season (where Sissons posted 12 points in 22 games), as well as the struggles of this season, where the team has already been eliminated from post-season contention. On the year, Sissons has posted 21 points and a minus-12 in 72 games.

While Sissons’ injury may result in the end of his season, Predators reporter Nick Kieser wonders if his misfortune could result in an early opportunity for recently signed Matthew Wood. The 20-year-old, the 15th overall selection in the 2023 draft, was signed to a three-year, entry-level deal that was announced just yesterday by GM Barry Trotz. Wood played at the University of Minnesota and just wrapped up his junior season that saw him record 17 goals and 39 points in 39 games. Wood was already set to report to the Predators in the coming days, but with Sissons on the shelf, he may see his first NHL action sooner than anticipated.

Colton Sissons Exits Game With Lower-Body Injury

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  • Lastly, the Nashville Predators lost a bottom-six forward partway through tonight’s loss against the Vegas Golden Knights. Nashville shared that forward Colton Sissons wouldn’t return to tonight’s action due to a lower-body injury. Further information should come out tomorrow regarding Sissons’ status moving forward. He’s only missed one of Nashville’s 73 games this season.

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Predators Sign Matthew Wood

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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.

Predators Place Marc Del Gaizo, Kieffer Bellows On Waivers

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March 27: Bellows and Del Gaizo cleared waivers, Nick Kieser of 102.5 The Game reports. Both remain on Nashville’s roster for now.

March 26: The Nashville Predators have placed defenseman Marc Del Gaizo and left-winger Kieffer Bellows on waivers per PuckPedia. Del Gaizo has been with the NHL club since late February, while Bellows was called up on March 7th.

Serving as the Predators’ de facto defense call-up, Del Gaizo has split the season between the major and minor league rosters. He’s recorded eight points and 17 penalty minutes in 35 NHL games this season, making this year Del Gaizo’s formal rookie season after playing in nine games, and netting three points, in the NHL last year. He’s also added eight goals, 12 points, and 16 penalty minutes in 30 AHL games this season. That mark sits as a slight downtick from the 34 points he scored in 60 AHL games last year, and the 31 points he scored in 71 games of the 2022-23 season. The 25-year-old defender has found a niche as a stout defender away from the puck, though his menial scoring wasn’t enough to earn an everyday spot this season.

Bellows hasn’t found his NHL scoring this season either, with just three points in 13 games this season. He’s been far more productive in the minors, where his 14 goals and 29 points in 41 games ranks sixth on the Milwaukee Admirals in scoring. Bellows’ 54 penalty minutes also ranks fifth on the squad. He’s playing through his first season with the Predators organization after posting an impressive 27 goals and 49 points in 52 games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies last season. The Canadian stint was part of what’s turning into a journeyman career for Bellows, who’s played with the New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, and Predators within the last four seasons.

Both players seem likely to clear waivers and head back to the minor leagues, but their status will be important to watch. Should either player be claimed, they would be ineligible to be recalled to the NHL for the rest of the seasons. Both players are set to become unrestricted free agents this summer, which could mean they’ve played their last NHL games of the year – should another team want to bolster their minor-league lineups ahead of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Central Notes: Brodin, Bolduc, Predators

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The Minnesota Wild have opted to pull defenseman Jonas Brodin back out of the lineup with three games over the next four days, per Joe Smith of The Athletic. Brodin returned from a month-long absence on Friday, after recovering from missing 12 games with a lower-body injury. Head coach John Hynes told Smith that Brodin’s absence was precautionary, and that the defender hadn’t re-aggravated his previous injury.

The news that Brodin’s health hasn’t gotten worse will be a silver lining for Wild fans. But missing the top defender is still a tough pill to swallow. Brodin has played in just 39 games this season, but he’s looked strong when he’s on the ice – marked by 19 points and a plus-11 on the season. Brodin seemed to jump right back into play in Friday’s game, playing through 20 minutes of ice time and recording one assist and one penalty. But Minnesota will opt to be cautious with their top-pair guy – opting to not tempt fait with each of Marcus Foligno, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Kirill Kaprizov still out of the lineup. Jon Merrill and Declan Chisholm will man the minutes opened up by Brodin’s absence.

Other notes from the Central Division:

  • Top St. Louis Blues youngster Zachary Bolduc is continuing to reach new milestones in his young NHL career. The Department of Player Safety has penalized Bolduc with the first fine of his career, after he cross-checked Nashville Predators defenseman Nick Blankenburg in Saturday night’s game. Bolduc will forfeit $2,248.26 for the incident – the max allowable under the CBA. The young winger has been a focal point of the Blues’ league-best 12-2-2 record since the 4-Nations Face-Off break. He has four points in his last five games, and 11 points in 16 games since the league returned. Bolduc has managed those totals despite averaging just 13 minutes of ice time each night. With that in mind, St. Louis will breathe a sigh of relief that Bolduc was fined rather than suspended. He’ll continue to contribute on a nightly basis, as the Blues look to continue blazing their path to the playoffs.
  • The Nashville Predators have announced a four-year extension with AHL affiliate the Milwaukee Admirals per Predators beat reporter Brooks Bratten. The deal will run through the 2028-29 season and will mark 30 years of partnership between the two sides when it next expires. Nashville announced Milwaukee as an IHL affiliate immediately upon joining the NHL in 1998. The Admirals moved to the AHL three years later and have made the playoffs in 19 of 21 seasons since then. That includes winning the Calder Cup in 2oo4 and making the Finals in 2006. Milwaukee currently ranks second in the AHL’s Central Division and is one of just three minor league clubs to already clinch a postseason berth. Their success comes in part thanks to top Predators prospects such as Ozzy Wiesblatt, Joakim Kemell, and Ryan Ufko.

Predators Showed Interest In Josh Norris Before Trade Deadline

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While Ottawa ultimately moved center Josh Norris within the division when they traded him to the Sabres on trade deadline day this month, that wasn’t the only team they had serious talks with.  Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch reported earlier this week that the Sens held trade talks with the Canucks and Predators before the deadline but obviously, neither move materialized.  Nashville certainly had ample salary cap space to absorb his $7.95MM cap charge along with three first-round picks but didn’t have the young impact center to send that Buffalo did in Dylan Cozens.  Vancouver, meanwhile, would have been able to cover Norris’ cap charge as well (though longer term, it would have been a challenge) but also lacked the core center to go the other way with Elias Pettersson pulled out of trade talks before the deadline.

Predators To Play In 2025 Global Series

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The Pittsburgh Penguins will return to Stockholm next season to face-off against the Nashville Predators in the 2025 NHL Global Series in Sweden, per an NHL announcement.

Swedish-born Predators also expressed their excitement surrounding the series, including Forsberg who noted, “It’s obviously going to be a great time, a great opportunity for me.”

Tomáš Klouček Passes Away

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The NHL Alumni Association announced this afternoon that former NHL player Tomáš Klouček died Sunday in a skiing accident. He was 45 years old.

A Czechia native, Klouček spent his junior days in his hometown of Prague. He generated enough buzz there to get selected by the Rangers in the fifth round of the 1998 draft. He immediately made the jump to North America, playing a year of major junior hockey with the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles before turning pro in the Rangers organization for the 1999-00 season. The heavy-hitting lefty made an impact out of the gate, posting 113 PIMs and a +22 rating in 73 games with AHL Hartford en route to a Calder Cup championship and an All-Rookie Team nod for his standout defensive play.

Klouček made the Rangers for the first time in 2000-01, and it ended up being the best season of his career. Making 43 appearances after an early-season recall, he averaged a career-high 16:43 per game and posted 1-4–5 with a minus-three rating – a respectable figure on the league’s worst defensive team that season – and 74 PIMs. After subsequent trades to the Predators and Thrashers, he totaled 2-8–10 with a minus-nine rating in 141 career appearances by the time his NHL career drew to a close in 2006.

Klouček remained in high-level leagues for another decade after playing his last NHL game. He spent 2006-07 with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch, then affiliated with the Blue Jackets, before jumping back over the Atlantic to play with Czechia’s HC Zlín and then Barys Astana in the Kontinental Hockey League. He spent three years with the Kazakh club – more time spent with any team in his career other than Hartford – and posted 7-26–33 in 111 career KHL games.

The last few years of Klouček’s career were spent in his home country with HC Oceláři Třinec and the Jaromír Jágr-owned Rytíři Kladno, but also in neighboring Slovakia, where he won an Extraliga title with HC Kosice in 2014. He closed the book on his stint in pro hockey with France’s Epinal in the top-circuit Ligue Magnus in 2015-16 and 2016-17.

PHR sends our condolences to Klouček’s family, friends, and former teammates.

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