The Red Wings are closing in on finalizing a contract with prospect winger David Pope, reports Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press. She adds that the two-year, entry-level deal could be made official over the next few days.
Pope was Detroit’s fourth-round pick (109th overall) back in 2013 and recently wrapped up his college career at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He saved his best play for last as Pope set career highs in goals (20), assists (21), and points (41) in his senior year.
The team had approached Pope about signing late in the season but his preference was to stay at school to wrap up his classes. The Red Wings are intent on getting younger and the 23-year-old could very well make a push for a roster spot in training camp.
As a senior, Pope could have opted to not sign and would have become an unrestricted free agent on August 16th. However, he had indicated back in February that he intended to not go to the open market and it appears he will be sticking to his word in the days to come.