The Coyotes have put pen to paper with one of the top scorers in the Western Hockey League, announcing that they have signed forward Brayden Burke to a three-year, entry-level contract. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
The 21-year-old went unclaimed through three NHL Entry Drafts but it hasn’t been for a lack of scoring. Heading into this season, Burke had amassed an impressive 219 points in 177 games but it still wasn’t enough to get him signed. However, he has taken his play to another level entirely this season, scoring 31 goals while adding 81 assists in just 59 contests; his 112 points rank second in the league.
What likely hurt Burke’s draft stock is his smallish stature as he stands just 5’10 and 170 pounds. As much as smaller players have made their mark more and more frequently in recent years, some like Burke still fall through the cracks. He will finish up his season with Moose Jaw (where he is currently battling a lower-body injury) and will likely begin his professional career next year at the minor league level with AHL Tucson.