The St. Louis Blues announced they have signed 2020 fifth-round pick Matt Kessel to a two-year, entry-level contract that is set to begin in 2022-23. Kessel will report to the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds of the AHL on a tryout, where he will remain for the rest of the season. Additional financial terms of the contract have not yet been made available.
Kessel has spent the past three seasons on the blueline for UMass Amherst, winning a National Title last season. Kessel had six goals and 11 assists in 37 games this season for UMass, however his most impressive season may have been 2020-21, where he logged 10 goals and 13 assists in 20 games. Prior to his time at UMass, Kessel played three seasons in the USHL, including a 19-point, 62-game season for the Sioux Falls Stampede in 2018-19.
For now, Kessel will join Springfield on a tryout where he can adjust to the professional game. His contract will kick in next season, when Kessel can try to establish his place within the Blues’ organization.