According to a report from ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, the Detroit Red Wings are expected to sign college free agent defenseman Jon McDonald to a contract. It’s unclear at this time whether McDonald will be signing an NHL or AHL contract, and no financial details have been reported.
The move marks a return home for the 24-year-old McDonald, who was born in Livonia, Mich., and played youth hockey in Detroit. McDonald just completed his fifth season at UMass-Lowell, recording 20 points in 35 games while serving as captain during his final campaign.
McDonald is the second captain from UMass-Lowell to sign a contract today, joining now-Edmonton Oilers prospect Carl Berglund.
A left-shot defenseman, McDonald stands at 6’0″ and 181 pounds. While he never put up any notable scoring numbers in junior hockey with the USHL’s Fargo Force, McDonald’s point totals steadily increased throughout his time in college. He enters the pro ranks as a much more well-rounded player.
Weekes had reported earlier Wednesday that interest was heating up in McDonald’s services.