The St. Louis Blues have announced a trio of signings yesterday, inking draft picks Nolan Stevens and Austin Poganski to two-year entry-level contracts, while also signing free agent Mitch Reinke to a two-year entry-level deal. Stevens’ and Reinke’s contracts will begin this season and will both report to the Blues this week, while Poganski will head to the AHL on an amateur tryout, and see his contract start in the 2018-19 season.
Stevens, son of Los Angeles Kings head coach John Stevens, could have become an unrestricted free agent this summer had he waited until the middle of August. He has just finished his senior season at Northeastern, where he captained the team after his brother, also named John Stevens, left for the New York Islanders organization last year. The younger Stevens is a better offensive player than his brother, and put up a college career-high 24 goals this season, trailing only Vancouver Canucks prospect and potential Hobey Baker winner Adam Gaudette for the team lead. The 21-year old is a big bodied forward that could use some time in the minor leagues, but likely used his pending free agency as leverage to start his entry-level deal this season.
Like Stevens, Poganski also could have become a free agent after four years at the University of North Dakota. The 22-year forward isn’t as creative in the offensive zone, but plays a heavy game with an emphasis on a punishing forecheck and driving to the net. Selected in the fourth round four years ago, he put up solid if unspectacular offensive numbers at UND while filling a two-way role behind more heralded prospects.
Reinke on the other hand was never drafted, but instead starred at Michigan Tech and was a big part of getting them into the NCAA tournament this year. The 22-year old defenseman moves the puck quickly and effectively, and recorded 24 points in 35 games as a sophomore this season. As the NHL sees more and more smaller, mobile defensemen enter the league, Reinke will try to be the latest to make an impact from the college ranks.