The Montreal Canadiens have signed prospect Jayden Struble to a two-year, entry-level contract that begins next year. That removes any concern that Struble could wait until August to become an unrestricted free agent.
The contract will carry an NHL salary of $775K, and includes a $92.5K signing bonus in each season. Struble is headed to the Laval Rocket, where he’ll sign a professional tryout to play the rest of the season.
There have been moments over the last few years, when the 21-year-old defenseman appeared ready to step directly into the NHL. Struble is a mix of skill, and power that should lend itself well to the next level, after a four-year career at Northeastern ended recently.
While not a huge player, Struble is one of the strongest defensemen in college hockey and racked up 190 penalty minutes in his 104-game career. The 2019 second-round pick should be competing for a spot with the Canadiens as soon as next season, though with the number of young defensemen in the system, he will have some stiff competition.
He joins the likes of Justin Barron, Kaiden Guhle, Jordan Harris, Arber Xhekaj, Mattias Norlinder, and other young options that will be looking for spots on the NHL roster alongside some of the more veteran names that are still signed for next season.
Hah, the Habs seem to be getting a Husky collection!
(Then again, they also grabbed — over 40 years ago — the Northeastern player with the most NHL games played. Fellow by name of Nilan.)
Interesting how Struble, a 2nd round pick who could have become a UFA in August, is assigned to the AHL, while Vancouver had to give their Northeastern grad -a 7th round pick – some guaranteed NHL action as part of his deal. Yes, defencemen typically need more seasoning but is it also because Canucks are weak negotiators? Both teams are duds…