Marc-Andre Gaudet is off to a nice start to his post-draft season and he was rewarded for his efforts today as the team announced that they’ve signed the defenseman to a three-year, entry-level contract. PuckPedia reports (Twitter link) that the deal carries an $849K AAV and breaks down as follows:
2022-23: $750K NHL salary, $80K signing bonus, $82.5K AHL salary
2023-24: $775K NHL salary, $82.5K signing bonus, $82.5K AHL salary
2024-25: $775K NHL salary, $85K signing bonus, $82.5K AHL salary
The 18-year-old was a fifth-round pick by St. Louis this offseason (152nd overall) following a strong sophomore year with Acadie-Bathurst of the QMJHL which saw him pick up 13 goals and 25 assists in 68 games. This season, he made one preseason appearance with the Blues (where he had an assist) and is off to a good start with his new team in Shawinigan as he has eight goals and 17 helpers in 30 games so far, good for seventh in the league for points by a blueliner.
Officially, the contract begins this season. However, he’ll remain in junior and thus won’t play in ten games in St. Louis. Accordingly, his deal will be able to slide a year and thus will still have three years left on it for the 2023-24 campaign. Gaudet will be eligible to play in the AHL next season.