2015 College free agents

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

The one thing with Vesey that is a bit different to others is that he is getting a Harvard education.

Getting that degree is a pretty big honor in itself and I could see him going back just to finish that.

Probably a little bit different then finishing up a degree at Michigan Tech or something.

Its why Kenny Agostino stayed to finish up at Yale. You just don't pass those up.

[sureLoss]

Scott Powers @ESPNChiPowers
Blackhawks agree to terms with Michigan Tech forward Tanner Kero on a two-year contract.

[OzSome]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

The one thing with Vesey that is a bit different to others is that he is getting a Harvard education.

Getting that degree is a pretty big honor in itself and I could see him going back just to finish that.

Probably a little bit different then finishing up a degree at Michigan Tech or something.

Totally agree with you. We are talking about an Ivy League education. I would probably do the same. At least if it doesn't pan out in the NHL or he gets injured he's got that education to fall back on.

[sureLoss]

Harvard is also one of the most desirable and applied to schools in the world. I imagine that coming back after a few years to finish a degree might be extremely difficult compared to some other NCAA Division I schools.

Also Harvard as an ivy league school doesn't give athletic scholarships, and does not have a reputation to bend backwards to help student athletes pursue pro sports careers, so potentially leaving now puts his 3 years of college to waste.

The only thing the Predators can hope for is that they will be in a position to burn a year of his elc next spring as they are the only NHL team that can do that and he won't decide to wait to August 15th.

[dammage79]

I really enjoyed Vesey's game at the WJC when he played with Gaudreau. Spark plug type player with a good scoring touch. Pure LW so he'd be of little interest to the Flames if he were to turn UFA.

[sureLoss]

http://www.tsn.ca/video/insider-trad...issue-1.246729

Bob McKenzie reporting that 2010 6th round pick of the Bruins and Hobey Baker top 3 finalist goalie Zane Macintyre might take advantage of the Schultz "loophole" and go UFA.

McKenzie says he is a blue chip prospect and would be higher than Malcolm Subban on the Bruins depth chart

[Commandant]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Harvard is also one of the most desirable and applied to schools in the world. I imagine that coming back after a few years to finish a degree might be extremely difficult compared to some other NCAA Division I schools.

Also Harvard as an ivy league school doesn't give athletic scholarships, and does not have a reputation to bend backwards to help student athletes pursue pro sports careers, so potentially leaving now puts his 3 years of college to waste.

The only thing the Predators can hope for is that they will be in a position to burn a year of his elc next spring as they are the only NHL team that can do that and he won't decide to wait to August 15th.

As long as you have finished one year, in good academic standing, you can turn pro and return to Harvard at any time (provided you pay tuition) to finish your degree.

At least that was the policy with Louis Leblanc

[The Original FFIV]

Not a ncaa signing but Bruins picked up UFa Colby Kane from the swift current Broncos.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2...evel-contract/

The Rich get richer. Why these guys are signing with teams like the Blackhawks and to a lesser extent Bruins is a bit puzzling. Guys like Baun could probably play a more prominent role on other teams yet sign with a power team that has depth at pro and minor league levels. Presume the reason that these guys are a signing is partially due to the original six allure. Just would be nice to see the wealth get spread more around the league and not so concentrated with teams that already have good depth.

[Da_Chief]

Would you want to go to a new startup firm and get thrown to the wolves or go to a stable firm that will teach you the ropes and bring you along slowly?

I can see their thinking here. These teams like Hawks/Bruins are in a cap crunch so they will need to promote within the new few years. So they'll get the opportunity and stay in a winning organization.

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

Would you want to go to a new startup firm and get thrown to the wolves or go to a stable firm that will teach you the ropes and bring you along slowly?

I can see their thinking here. These teams like Hawks/Bruins are in a cap crunch so they will need to promote within the new few years. So they'll get the opportunity and stay in a winning organization.

I guess selfishly I'd want to go to an organization where I could play soonest and earn a NHL salary rather than be potentially buried in the minors. But point well taken.

Found this on Twitter. Gives an insight on what the Blackhawks are going to avoid another Kevin hayes situation and attract free agents. Basically a lot of what you've said.

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/blac...ayes-situation

[OzSome]

Originally Posted by The Original FFIV

I guess selfishly I'd want to go to an organization where I could play soonest and earn a NHL salary rather than be potentially buried in the minors. But point well taken.

Found this on Twitter. Gives an insight on what the Blackhawks are going to avoid another Kevin hayes situation and attract free agents. Basically a lot of what you've said.

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/blac...ayes-situation

You have to remember that the Blackhawks might go to cheaper route next season after extending Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews to a huge contracts. With Kane and Toews, plus Seabrook and Duncan Keith's contract, they won't have a lot of room in salary cap. That means they will probably unload some of their expensive players like Patrick Sharp and replace them with cheaper player like Kyle Baun. I am sure Baun and his manager knew this before they signed with the Blackhawks.

[The Original FFIV]

Guess sureloss is still in bed.

@FriedgeHNIC: In addition to Jon Gillies (expected to join CAL), should be a decision in next day from G Zane McIntyre to join BOS or become free agent

[zoom]

Any idea where Oksanen might end up?

[sureLoss]

Zane McIntyre announces that he will not go to UFA. He will either return to school or sign with Boston:

http://www.grandforksherald.com/spor...ecision-future

[Da_Chief]

Good man.

[The Original FFIV]

While we all wait with bated breath to see where O'Connor signs, this one slipped through.

Doremus signs ATO with Sharks.

http://pointstreaksites.com/view/tbi...ws/news_292718

SI had a recent article with a list of the top remaining college free agents. There are some sophomores and juniors listed who may return to college but senior Evan Rodrigues remains available from BU. Czarnik, Kero and now Doremus are off the list as they have signed since article was posted.

http://www.si.com/nhl/2015/03/30/top...ee-agents-2015

[sureLoss]

Evan Rodrigues is kind of a controversial college player.

He has only had 2 good/decent years and his detractors say it is only because he was on Matt Nieto's line in his sophomore season and Jack Eichel's line in his senior season.

Doesn't bode well that he can't seem to carry offense on his own without seemingly riding the coattails of a dominant college player.

That being said a free prospect is a free prospect.

Will be interesting to see if a team actually offers an NHL contract to him or will his best offer be an AHL only deal which might one day become an NHL contract if he earns it.


IMO Ahti Oksanen is the more intriguing FA than Rodrigues from BU.

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Evan Rodrigues is kind of a controversial college player.

He has only had 2 good/decent years and his detractors say it is only because he was on Matt Nieto's line in his sophomore season and Jack Eichel's line in his senior season.

Doesn't bode well that he can't seem to carry offense on his own without seemingly riding the coattails of a dominant college player.

That being said a free prospect is a free prospect.

Will be interesting to see if a team actually offers an NHL contract to him or will his best offer be an AHL only deal which might one day become an NHL contract if he earns it.


IMO Ahti Oksanen is the more intriguing FA than Rodrigues from BU.

Low risk signing for a team. Seems to be a good complimentary player who does well when playing with skilled linemates. Teams need those kind of players might do well next to staal in Carolina who were so desperate they signed semin. Edmonton could do worse as well. Just surprised that he hasnt found a team yet but as you mention teams may be scared off for the reasons indicated.

[sureLoss]

Report that Rodrigues is going to sign with the Sabres:

http://collegeblog.weei.com/sports/c...l-with-sabres/

[sureLoss]

Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
“@diebytheblade: Sabres reportedly sign Evan Rodrigues sbnation.com/e/8229186?utm_… pic.twitter.com/IdVSOnI2GO” Confirmed, as they say. 2 yr deal.