The New York Islanders have signed a college free agent of their own, inking Grant Hutton to a one-year entry-level contract that will begin in 2019-20. Hutton recently finished his college career at Miami University (Ohio).
Hutton, 23, was named captain of the RedHawks this season and ended up with 21 points in 37 games. The 6’3″ defenseman has a well-rounded game that is anchored by his solid skating ability, and should be able to step right into the professional ranks next season. The question will be whether he can contribute enough to make it to the NHL, especially in an organization that is suddenly flush with young defensemen.
The Islanders have seven defensemen already signed to one-way contracts for next season, and five signed through the 2020-21 season. That’s not even including other youngsters like Noah Dobson, Bode Wilde and Sebastian Aho who are still all on their entry-level contracts. For Hutton to make an impact at the NHL level he’ll have to show that there is another level to his game.