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Kings Interested In A Pair Of College Free Agents

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The Kings have been a team that has been active in college free agency in recent years inking players like wingers Sheldon Rempal and Alex Iafallo, defensemen Oscar Fantenberg and Daniel Brickley, as well as goalie Cal Petersen (after he declined to sign with Buffalo).  It appears that they have their eyes set on adding to that list as Jon Rosen of LA Kings Insider reports that Los Angeles is interested in Clarkson center Nico Sturm as well as Bowling Green winger Lukas Craggs.

Sturm is widely considered to be one of the top players on the college free agent market following a strong junior season.  The 23-year-old put up 45 points in 38 games this season and is viewed as someone that could step in and play a lower line role as early as next year.  His team is set to play Notre Dame on Friday as the NCAA tournament gets underway.

Meanwhile, Craggs is a player that hasn’t generated as much attention.  The junior had 24 points in 34 games this season and surpassed the 100 penalty minute mark for the second straight year.  Not surprisingly, he profiles as a bottom-six physical player.  Bowling Green is seeded 15th in the tournament and could be eliminated as early as Friday so a decision on whether or not to try to sign him may come quickly.

Los Angeles hasn’t hesitated to burn the first year of an entry-level deal early by giving the player some game action at the end of the season.  With the Kings squarely out of the playoff picture and having seven open contract slots at the moment, expect that trend to continue with these free agents and any others they may try to pursue in the coming days.

Casey Fitzgerald Signs With Buffalo Sabres

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The Buffalo Sabres have inked one of their more experienced prospects to his first pro contract. The team has announced that 2016 third-round pick Casey Fitzgerald has signed an entry-level deal. It is a two-year pact that begins in the 2019-20 season. The 22-year-old defenseman has additionally signed an ATO with the Rochester Americans and will close out the year with the Sabres’ affiliate.

Fitzgerald wrapped up a four-year career at Boston College this past weekend, as the Eagles came within one win of an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament but fell short. Fitzgerald was initially drafted by Buffalo after his freshman year at BC, which also ended up being his most productive with 27 points in 39 games to go with a whopping +27 rating. He had also spent time with the U.S. National Team Development Program and played for several World Juniors entries. The captain of the Eagles for the past two years, Fitzgerald’s offense may not have continued climbing, but he developed into an intelligent, two-way defenseman and a locker room leader.

Those are traits that run in the family, of course. Fitzgerald’s father, Tom, enjoyed a 16-year NHL career and is currently the Assistant GM of the New Jersey Devils, while his older brother, Ryan, is currently in the Boston Bruins system. The extended family also includes Jimmy and Kevin Hayes and Keith Tkachuk and sons Matthew and Brady. Casey is the latest addition to a Boston area family with deep connections to the NHL and hopes to make a name for himself like so many of them have.

Snapshots: Fox, Raanta, Tippett

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The Carolina Hurricanes and their fans have been waiting patiently for the Harvard hockey season to come to an end so they can get a chance to sign top prospect Adam Fox, but the team is still alive in the NCAA tournament. Fox’s rights were acquired from the Calgary Flames as part of the Dougie Hamilton–Elias Lindholm trade from last summer, and the front office has been open with their belief that they could sign the young defenseman after he finished his college career. Today, Jeff Cox of the New England Hockey Journal tweeted that Fox will be returning to Harvard next season for his senior year and that he “favors” the idea of becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2020 when his draft rights would expire.

In response however, Carolina GM Don Waddell told Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic that he believes Fox has not yet made his decision with regards to signing with the Hurricanes, and Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer tweeted it is “still a bit premature to jump to conclusions.” If the 21-year old returns to Harvard next season and then waits until August 2020, he will get his chance to sign with any team he wants. There certainly wouldn’t be any shortage of interest, as the third-round pick is among the best college players in the entire country and is a right-handed defenseman to boot.

  • The Arizona Coyotes have Darcy Kuemper to thank for their impressive playoff push, but he might be getting some help in the near future. Craig Morgan of the Athletic tweeted today that Antti Raanta is expected to start practicing with the Coyotes this week. Raanta hasn’t played a game since late November but has shown his ability as a top tier goaltender whenever he is at full strength. If Raanta can return in time for the playoffs (provided Arizona makes the postseason at all), it would be interesting to see how the Coyotes would play it. Kuemper has been among the best goaltenders in the league since Raanta’s injury, and would be a huge reason why they made the playoffs.
  • While many have assumed that Dave Tippett would stay with the Seattle expansion franchise after his comments about his role in the new team, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet writes in his latest edition of 31 Thoughts that he’s heard “the coaching bug has bit [Tippett] again” and that one team has already reached out. Tippett was hired as a senior advisor for the Seattle group and was expected to join the front office in some capacity. He last coached in the NHL during the 2016-17 season.

Oliver Wahlstrom Not Expected To Return To Boston College

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After a season that did not go as planned, including rumors of his early departure, it appears as though Oliver Wahlstrom’s tenure at Boston College will come to an end. Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe and Sara Civian of The Athletic have both heard that Wahlstrom will leave BC after just one season, though his next stop is not determined at this point. Civ suggests that Europe is a possibility for the 18-year old forward.

Wahlstrom was the 11th overall pick by the New York Islanders last June, and finally joined BC after flirting with several other schools over the years. Unfortunately that decision doesn’t seem to have panned out very well as Wahlstrom looked lost on the ice at times this year and finished with just 19 points in 36 games. The highly touted forward was expected to dominate the college scene like his former USNDTP linemate Joel Farabee—who will also be leaving the NCAA after one season, signing his first NHL deal with the Philadelphia Flyers—but struggled to create offense or find any consistency on a lackluster BC team.

Fans of the Islanders that may be concerned Wahlstrom is trying to avoid signing with the team need not worry, as they will still hold his rights for several more years. College players that leave early like Los Angeles Kings goaltender Cal Petersen only become free agents if it has been four years since their draft year. Wahlstrom can only sign an NHL contract with the Islanders, though it is unclear what his plans are at this point. If he does sign, spending the 2019-20 season in the AHL would not burn a year of his entry-level contract as he won’t turn 19 until this June.

NCAA Tournament Preview

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For the first time since 1970, Boston College, Boston University, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Dakota have all failed to reach the NCAA postseason – and back then it was only a four-team field. The 2019 Tournament field has been announced and it is truly a changing of the guard in the college ranks. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t still considerable NHL talent on display for the 16 teams whose seasons are still alive. Here’s what the bracket looks like for next weekend’s slate of games:

West Regional – Fargo, North Dakota

1) St. Cloud State University
4) American International College

2) Denver University
3) Ohio State University

St. Cloud State is the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year. First-rounder Ryan Poehling (MTL) leads a well-rounded group that also includes fellow forwards Patrick Newell (undrafted) and Sam Hentges (MIN), defensemen Jimmy Schuldt (undrafted) and Nick Perbix (TB), and goaltender David Hrenak (LA). They have the easiest first round match-up in the tournament, facing Atlantic Hockey Champion American International. The team has done well for themselves this year, but are the lowest-ranked team in the field and lack any real NHL prospects outside of top scorer Blake Christensen (undrafted). The other half of the region features a tough contest between two talented teams. The Denver Pioneers, led by solid defensive prospect Ian Mitchell (CHI), also feature a deep corps of forwards like Mathias Emilio Pettersen (CGY), Cole Guttman (TB), Brett Stapley (MTL), and Liam Finlay (undrafted), as well as defenseman Slava Demin (VGK) and goaltender Filip Larsson (DET). They go up against the Ohio State Buckeyes and senior captain Mason Jobst (undrafted). The roster also includes forwards Tanner Laczynski (PHI), Carson Meyer (CLB), Dakota Joshua (TOR), and Miguel Fidler (FLA), along with defenseman Ryan O’Connell (TOR). Denver-OSU is arguably the most even first-round match-up.

Northeast Regional – Manchester, New Hampshire

1) University of Massachusetts
4) Harvard University

2) Clarkson University
3) Notre Dame University

Cale Makar (COL), considered by many to be the top prospect in college hockey, heads up a strong UMass team enjoying its best season in program history. Fellow defensemen Mario Ferraro (SJ) and Ivan Chukarov (BUF) are part of a deep blue line, while John Leonard (SJ) and Mitchell Chafee (undrafted) lead the forward corps. They have their work cut out for them though, facing in-state rival Harvard and another elite prospect in blue liner Adam Fox (CAR). He’s not alone either; Reilly Walsh (NJ), Jack Rathbone (VAN), and John Marino (EDM) form a formidable top-four, while Jack Drury (CAR) and Jack Badini (ANA) are capable forwards as well. Elsewhere in the region, Clarkson and star two-way forward Nico Sturm (undrafted) are fresh off an ECAC title. They may need a strong effort from another forward, Nick Campoli (VGK), and starting goalie Jake Kielly (undrafted) to avoid an upset though. The Big Ten champions Notre Dame are a tough out, featuring eight NHL draft picks and several more pro prospects. The blue line is stacked with Andrew Peeke (CBJ), Bobby Nardella (undrafted), Matt Hellickson (NJ), Spencer Stastney (NSH), Nick Leivermann (COL), and Nate Clurman (COL). Meanwhile Cale Morris (undrafted) has been stellar in net, and the forward group including Cam Morrison (COL) and Jake Pivonka (NYI) have been solid as well. It feels like UMass got a relatively easy draw however, especially considering they were the final No. 1 seed.

East Regional – Providence, Rhode Island

1) Minnesota State University – Mankato
4) Providence College

2) Northeastern University
3) Cornell University

The reward for a top seed for Minnesota State? A meeting with Providence in their home city. Fortunately, the Mavericks have defied the odds all season long. Despite lacking any NHL draft picks, the team has gotten strong play in net and in all three zones. Keeper Dryden McKay (undrafted) and high-scoring German forwards Marc Michaelis (undrafted) and Parker Tuomie (undrafted) will continue to be the keys to success. Providence is a strong team even without home ice advantage though; the Friars have ten draftees, including forwards Jack Dugan (VGK), Brandon Duhaime (MIN), Kasper Bjorkqvist (PIT), and Jay O’Brien (PHI), defensemen Jacob Bryson (BUF), Ben Mirageas (NYI), Vincent Desharnais (EDM), and Michael Callahan (ARI), and starting goalie Hayden Hawkey (MTL). Throw in sought-after free agent forward Josh Wilkins (undrafted) and Providence is a dangerous threat. The other two teams in the region are no joke either. Northeastern, another Hockey East power house, is led by star goalie Cayden Primeau (MTL) and freshman forward Tyler Madden (VAN). Add in a blue line that features Jeremy Davies (NJ), Ryan Shea (CHI), and Jordan Harris (MTL) as well as forwards Matt Filipe (CAR) and Zach Solow (undrafted), and the Huskies are a real threat. They face off with Cornell and leading scorer Morgan Barron (NYR), as well as forward Beau Starrett (CHI) and defensemen Matt Cairns (EDM) and Alex Green (TB). Whoever emerges from this region will be battle-tested heading into the Frozen Four.

Midwest Regional – Allentown, Pennsylvania

1) University of Minnesota – Duluth
4) Bowling Green State University

2) Quinnipiac University
3) Arizona State University

The defending champs are a top seed again, as the UMD Bulldogs begin their title defense against Bowling Green. The team lost considerable talent after last season, but still sport a very talented lineup. The team is deep and balanced on the blue line with Scott Perunovich (STL), Mikey Anderson (LA), and Dylan Samberg (WPG) and have top forwards like Noah Cates (PHI), Nick Swaney (MIN), Riley Tufte (DAL), and Cole Koepke (TB) as well. Bowling Green isn’t as loaded, but has enjoyed great seasons from forward Brandon Kruse (VGK) and Max Johnson (undrafted) and have experienced defenseman Adam Smith (NSH) and standout goalie Ryan Bednard (FLA) to fall back on as well. Arizona State makes its first NCAA Tournament appearance in just its third year as a Division I program and could very well pick up their first tourney win behind the tremendous play of goalie Joey Daccord (OTT) and forwards Johnny Walker (undrafted) and Demetrios Koumontzis (CGY). Quinnipiac won’t be easy to beat, though. Goalie tandem Andrew Shortridge (undrafted) and Keith Petruzelli (DET) and a defense core of Chase Priskie (WSH), Karlis Cukste (SJ), and Peter DiLiberatore (VGK) make the Bobcats hard to score against, while Odeen Tufto (undrafted) is a dynamic presence up front. If Quinnipiac can bounce back from an early exit from their conference tournament, they could knock off the defending champs next weekend.

Evening Notes: Hitchcock, Chiarelli, Husso, Fox, Vidmar, Capitals

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It’s been an interesting coaching season for Edmonton Oilers head coach Ken Hitchcock, who retired from coaching in April last year. Instead, he returned to coaching in November to take over for Todd McLellan for a struggling Oilers’ squad and has led the team to a 24-24-7 record so far, despite the team surging to a 7-2-1 start when Hitchcock took over.

Since then, the team has moved on from general manager Peter Chiarelli and there remain lots of questions of whether Hitchcock would even want to come back. Pressed for an answer about whether he’d be interested in returning next season, Sportsnet’s John Shannon writes that Hitchcock would be open to coming back.

“For the record, I feel if I’m good I can coach until I’m 99,” Hitchcock said.

Of course, with the team looking for a new general manager once the season ends, there is a good chance that the new GM will want to hire his own coach, which could end Hitchcock’s tenure in Edmonton.

  • Speaking of Chiarelli, The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford reports that the former GM has been seen in the Blues’ management booth alongside St. Louis general manager Doug Armstrong. While there is no word on whether Armstrong is considering bringing Chiarelli aboard or what role he might have in St. Louis, Rutherford points out that Armstrong has a history of hiring former GMs, including Bob Gainey and Dave Tippett.
  • St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Jim Thomas notes that he saw St. Louis Blues goaltending prospect Ville Husso in a walking boot walking through the press box of Enterprise Center, suggesting that the San Antonio Rampage goaltender is out for the season. It’s been a rough season for the 24-year-old, who was considered the heir-apparent to Jake Allen last season. Instead, Jordan Binnington has surpassed him on the team’s depth chart, while Husso struggled with a 6-17 record with a 3.67 GAA and a .871 save percentage.
  • TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that the Carolina Hurricanes remain hopeful that they can sign Harvard University star defenseman Adam Fox to a contract once his season is over, but there are no guarantees. Harvard has a good chance to make the NCAA tournament, which means the Hurricanes will have to wait until the blueliner’s season is over. The 21-year-old is in his junior year, posting 10 goals and 48 points so far this year but due to signability issues, was already traded once when the Calgary Flames sent him to Carolina as part of the Dougie Hamilton–Elias Lindholm deal last summer.
  • The Calgary Flames’ AHL affiliate, the Stockton Heat announced that they have signed undrafted college free agent forward Sebastian Vidmar out of Union College. The 25-year-old just wrapped up his senior season with 10 goals and 22 points and finished a career with 40 goals and 63 assists in 137 career games. The 6-foot-3 forward joins a struggling Stockton team that is currently sixth in the AHL Pacific Division.
  • Isabelle Khurshudyan writes that the Washington Capitals will likely have even more salary cap problems next year as the team is currently tight on cap space, but with bonus expected for both Jakub Vrana, who triggered a $212K bonus for reaching 20 goals recently and could get another bonus if he finishes among the top six forwards in ATOI (he’s currently sixth). Throw in the $500K that Brooks Orpik will get and the team will go over the cap at the end of the season, which will count against their cap space next year.

Decisions Coming From Dante Fabbro, Shane Bowers

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The talent on the Boston University roster this season didn’t quite match up with the regular season results this year and the Terriers needed to win the Hockey East Conference Tournament to keep their season alive with an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. They faced the same scenario last season and were able to get in, but lightning didn’t strike twice. The Northeastern Huskies knocked off BU in the Hockey East semifinals tonight and now decisions await several of the teams stars.

The most notable decision will come from 2016 first-round pick Dante Fabbro. The 16th overall pick by the Nashville Predators that year, Fabbro was a superstar for the Penticton Vees of the BCHL and has only continued to progress at BU into a high-end two-way defenseman. Fabbro set a career high with 33 points in 37 games this season and was named a first-team all-conference selection for his efforts. Fabbro may not have much more growing to do at the college level, but does have another year of NCAA eligibility remaining. If he chooses to turn pro and surrender that final year, he would undoubtedly be a welcomed addition in Nashville. However, he does have some incentive to wait one more year. The Predators have one of the deepest blue lines in the NHL, armed with an elite top-four and seven veteran defenders already signed through next season. Fabbro could end up buried in the minors or at the very least outside top-four consideration for several years if he signs with the team that drafted him. If he instead opts to return to BU for his senior year, he could then wait until August 2020 and become an unrestricted free agent. The wait is now on to see what Fabbro decides to do. Ironically, teammate Patrick Harper finds himself in the same situation with the Predators. The talented forward had a down year after back-to-back point-per-game campaigns to begin his collegiate career. He may be looking to move on from the college game, but Nashville’s 2016 fifth-round pick could benefit from another year with the Terriers and also opens himself up to the possibility of free agency if he returns for a fourth NCAA season.

The clock may also be ticking for Fabbro’s teammate and fellow first-round pick Shane Bowers. A 2017 selection, Bowers actually has two years of eligibility remaining, but rumors surfaced earlier this season that Bowers was considering moving on from the NCAA ranks. In fact, there was some doubt that Bowers would return to BU after the World Juniors earlier this year, with some speculating he could sign with the Colorado Avalanche instead. Originally a pick of the Ottawa Senators, Bowers was one of the pieces moved to the Avs in the Matt Duchene trade and now finds himself with the opportunity to join a good team with a need for secondary scoring. Bowers certainly has room to improve before turning pro, but the former USHL standout would still likely step into an immediate role in Colorado. Bowers could potentially even join the Avalanche right away this season to help the team in their playoff push. Such a chance doesn’t come around very often and could persuade Bowers to cut his tenure in Boston short.

Elsewhere on the roster, starting goaltender Jake Oettinger, another 2017 first-round pick, may consider a move to the pros as well. The Dallas Stars top goalie prospect had another up-and-down year, but has undeniable talent and could choose to leave the college level behind him. However, after watching another talented, young Dallas keeper, Colton Point, see limited action and ample struggles in both the AHL and ECHL in his first pro season in the Stars’ system, Oettinger may not be in any rush. Most of the Terriers’ other NHL prospects have years of eligibility remaining and seem unlikely to jump ship. Among those who hypothetically could are Hockey East Rookie of the Year and Philadelphia Flyers first-rounder Joel Farabee, another Nashville Predators prospect in David Farrance, and intriguing Chicago Blackhawks defensive prospect Chad Krys. 

Two players without any choice in the matter are Bobo Carpenter and Max Willman. Carpenter, who struggled with injuries this season, nevertheless will be a priority free agent now that BU’s season is over. The undrafted forward has NHL lineage, leadership skills, and a strong work ethic. At just 22, Carpenter brings four years of NCAA experience and consistent scoring numbers to whichever team is lucky to land him. There may not be the same press to sign Willman. A rare five-year college player, Willman is a 2014 selection of the Buffalo Sabres but may not be tendered by the team. In four years at Brown University and a graduate year at Boston University, Willman managed just 51 points in 134 games with just one breakout year as a junior at Brown. Buffalo may like how the 24-year-old’s mature game could translate to the pros, but his upside may not be worthy of an entry-level contract. Should Willman become a free agent, the Cape Cod native will have plenty of AHL teams close to home who could be willing to give him a chance.

Change is coming to Boston University one way or another, but just how much change will depend on how many of their top players decide to turn pro versus return for another year. Either the Terriers or the NHL will end up with a good amount of talent added to the mix next season.

NHL Prospects Receiving NCAA Conference Awards

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Tomorrow night kicks off the final weekend of conference tournaments in the NCAA, with Selection Sunday setting the stage for the NCAA Tournament beginning next week. With the collegiate regular season a thing of the past, the conferences haves used the gathering of their top teams ahead of this weekend’s games as a chance to hold end of the year banquets and announce award winners. To no surprise, many notable NHL prospects were also among those honored.

Perhaps the top pro prospect in the NCAA and the favorite to win the Hobey Baker Award this year, it was predictable that Cale Makar (COL) would first be unanimously named the Hockey East Player of the Year. The dynamic defenseman was the No. 4 overall pick by the Avalanche two years ago and has lived up to the hype through two seasons at the University of Massachusetts. Makar was one of six UMass players to also be named all-league players, including Mario Ferraro (SJ) and John Leonard (SJ) and scoring champion Mitchell Chaffee. 2018 first-round pick Joel Farabee (PHI) was named Hockey East’s Rookie of the Year following a point-per-game freshman campaign for Boston University. Similarly impressive teenager Cayden Primeau (MTL) was named Goaltender of the Year, backstopping Northeastern University with a .935 save percentage and 2.02 GAA. Providence College’s Vincent Desharnais (EDM) and the University of Maine’s Chase Pearson (DET) were also honored as the Defensive Defenseman and Defensive Forward of the year, respectively.

In the Big Ten Conference, recent Red Wings signing Taro Hirose (DET) out of Michigan State University was named Player of the Year, as well as scoring champion as the NCAA’s leading point-getter. The University of Minnesota’s Sammy Walker (TB) was named Freshman of the Year after the seventh-round pick surprised many this season. Quinn Hughes (VAN) of the University of Michigan and Evan Barratt (CHI) of Penn State University were other notable Big Ten stars, earning first-team all-conference considerations.

Elsewhere, a trifecta of NHL hopefuls won both Player of the Year and Defenseman of the Year for their conference. Adam Fox (CAR) is the most notable, as the Harvard University product enjoyed yet another dominant year in the ECAC and could be an impact player immediately once he joins the Hurricanes. Jimmy Schuldt hopes to do the same wherever he ends up, as the priority free agent from St. Cloud State University was named both Player of the Year and Defensive Defenseman of the Year for the NCHC and will push for a National Championship this year before turning his attention to the pros. Finally, Atlantic Hockey’s undisputed top player was Joe Duszak (TOR) of Mercyhurst University, who recently signed with the Maple Leafs after leading all NCAA defensemen in scoring.

 

Other awards of note include the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s Scott Perunovich (STL) winning the NCHC’s Offensive Defenseman of the Year Award for the second year in a row and Cooper Zech (BOS) being named the WCHA’s Rookie of the Year despite already leaving Ferris State University after just one year for the AHL’s Providence Bruins. With the NCAA postseason still to come, there will be more honors on the way for college hockey’s top players, but the conference awards already show that the best of the collegiate ranks includes many NHL draft picks and free agent signings, who will hopefully go on to continue their strong play at the next level.

 

 

Ten Finalists Named For 2019 Hobey Baker Award

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The first round of voting has come to an end, and the ten finalists for the Hobey Baker Award have been named. 83 players were nominated for the award this year, and a fan vote was added to the opinions of NCAA head coaches to determine the final ten names.

The trophy is given to the top NCAA player in the country, and has an impressive line of winners over the past few years. In 2013-14, Johnny Gaudreau took home the award as a junior for Boston College, followed by Jack Eichel in his only year for Boston University in 2015-16. Jimmy Vesey, Will Butcher and 2017-18 winner Adam Gaudette don’t bring quite the same impact, but look like they’ll each have long NHL careers.

The award also has several top NHL alumni in its small fraternity, including Neal Broten, Tom Kurvers, Paul Kariya, Chris Drury, Ryan Miller and Brendan Morrison. With that group behind them, this year’s winner is certainly not someone to take lightly.

The finalists are as follows:

Joseph Duszak – Mercyhurst University (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Adam Fox – Harvard University (unsigned, Carolina Hurricanes)

Taro Hirose – Michigan State University (Detroit Red Wings)

Quinn Hughes – University of Michigan (Vancouver Canucks)

Mason Jobst – Ohio State University

Cale Makar – University of Massachusetts-Amherst (unsigned, Colorado Avalanche)

Patrick Newell – St. Cloud State University

Chase Priskie – Quinnipiac University (unsigned, Washington Capitals)

Jimmy Schuldt – St. Cloud State University

Nico Sturm – Clarkson University

Senators To Try To Sign Josh Norris

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The month of March is one where teams often look to lure players out of college with the hopes of adding them to their lineup down the stretch.  While the Senators can’t do that with the currently-injured Josh Norris, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports (video link) that Ottawa is still likely to try to convince him to forego his final two years of college eligibility and sign in the coming weeks.

The Sens acquired Norris from San Jose as one of the key parts of the Erik Karlsson trade back in September.  He was off to a strong start with Michigan and fared well at the World Juniors with Team USA but suffered an injury in the tournament that ultimately ended his sophomore year prematurely.  All in all, he had 19 points (10-9-19) in just 17 games with the Wolverines this season.

Given the lost development time, there’s a case to be made that Ottawa may be better off leaving the 19th pick of the 2017 draft in school for another year but it appears they’d like to get him into their system sooner.  He won’t be able to accrue a season for expansion draft purposes so regardless of whether or not they sign him in the next few weeks or sometime over the summer, he will be exempt from requiring protection from Seattle.

Between Logan Brown, Colin White, and Norris, the Senators have fairly quickly built up a solid group of prospects down the middle.  If Ottawa has their way, they may all be suiting up with the big club as soon as next season.

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