Utah has signed forward prospect Owen Allard to a three-year, entry-level contract, per Belle Fraser of The Salt Lake Tribune.
Allard, 20, was passed over twice in the draft but was finally selected by Utah in the fifth round earlier this year. The 6’2″, 190-lb forward can play both center and left wing. Last year, he put his name on the map with 44 points in 55 games for the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds.
Amid his career-best offensive season at the junior level, he was a surprise inclusion on Canada’s roster for the 2024 World Juniors. He had two goals and an assist in five games, but Canada failed to medal at the event for the first time since 2019.
If he ever cracks an NHL roster, whether with Utah or somewhere else, it’ll likely be in a bottom-six energy role. His delayed offensive outbreak doesn’t bode well for his chances of being a significant impact player at the NHL level, at least on the scoresheet. But scouting reports from Elite Prospects praise his “never-ending motor” and his strength in puck and net-front battles.
Allard, who turns 21 early next year, had a goal and an assist in his first season appearance for the Greyhounds earlier this week. Due to his age, his entry-level contract isn’t eligible for a slide and will go into effect immediately. He’ll be an RFA after the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.