The Vegas Golden Knights announced they have signed two defensive prospects to entry-level contracts. The team signed Layton Ahac and Zack Hayes to three-year contracts, both which will begin for the 2021-22 season. No contract terms have been announced. Ahac has signed an AHL contract for the rest of the season, while Hayes is already playing for the Henderson Silver Knights.
The 20-year-old Ahac was the team’s third-round pick in 2019 (86th overall) and has spent the last two seasons with Ohio State University. The defenseman is considered a stay-at-home defenseman as he tallied three assists in his freshman year with the Buckeyes and then followed that up with one goal and nine assists in 27 games. His offense has improved as the blueliner hopes to develop into a solid two-way defensive player.
As for Hayes, the undrafted free agent signed a one-year deal during the offseason with Henderson and has impressed in 17 games, scoring a goal and four points, earning a NHL contract in the process. The blueliner did score seven goals in his final season with the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL, but was best known for his defensive prowess.