The Canucks have been active in adding college defensemen in recent weeks and they continued that on Monday, announcing the signing of Brogan Rafferty to a one-year, entry-level contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 23-year-old recently wrapped up his junior season at Quinnipiac University. He finished third on the team in scoring by a defenseman, recording four goals and 20 assists in 38 games, equalling his career high in points from his rookie campaign. Over his three seasons at the school, he had 60 points (9-51-60) in 108 contests.
Rafferty’s deal begins (and ends) this season, which means he will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer where he’ll fall outside the entry-level system. Vancouver has been aggressive with this particular approach as blueliners Quintin Hughes and Josh Teves as well as goalie Jake Kielly (who just signed earlier today) have all burned the first year of their contracts this season. Only Hughes was an actual prospect at the time so the Canucks have certainly added some depth to their organization.
It’s worth noting that Rafferty’s deal puts Vancouver at the maximum 50 contract limit. That will restrict them from adding any other players signed for this season while any trades made leading up to July 1st (the start of the new league year) will need to see a similar number of players going out as are being brought in.
Genuine question because I don’t understand exactly, but does anybody know why the Canucks are willing to burn the first year of these contracts?
Their franchise is a dumpster fire so they have to incentivize through other means
Spot on, SuperSinker. If they keep getting lucky in picking good, young D, their future will be a bit brighter, though.