According to sources, the Chicago Blackhawks have signed undrafted Colgate forward Kyle Baun to a two year entry level contract. While he will be joining the Blackhawks this season, he will not be eligible for the postseason.
The Blackhawks have landed one of the top college free agents on the market, agreeing to terms with Colgate junior Kyle Baun, according to his agent, Brian Bartlett. Baun, the grandson of Toronto Maple Leafs legend Bobby Baun, is a 6-2, 204-pound forward. The 22-year-old posted 39 goals and 40 assists in 113 games at Colgate over the past three seasons.
Bartlett said Baun will report to the Hawks this season, as college signings such as Drew LeBlanc and Matt Carey have in recent years. He will not be eligible to play in the postseason, however. The Red Wings, Flames, Jets and Oilers were reportedly trying to sign Baun, as well. – Chicago Sun Times
Because Kyle Baun will be reporting to the Blackhawks this season, Baun will most likely burn a year of his entry level contract. This means that after the 2015-2016 NHL season, unless he is signed to an extension, he will qualify as a restricted free agent.
Here’s what fellow LWOS contributor Ben Kerr has to say about him:
The Grandson of NHL legend Bobby Baun, the 22-year-old has good size. Baun has 13 goals and 28 points in 34 games this season. Baun looks like a power forward, with good speed, the balance and power to fight through checks, and the puck handling to protect the puck in the cycle game and drive the net. Baun has a decent shot, and good hands in close. He wins board battles and does a good job establishing position in front of the net. Baun also has some decent vision and passing skills which really help in the cycle game. – Last Word On Sports
DJ Powers of Hockeys Future thinks very highly of him as well.
Baun, the grandson of legendary NHL defenseman Bobby Baun, is a 6’2” and 210-pound power forward who has excelled on the Raiders’ special teams this season. One of Baun’s attributes that scouts have taken particular notice of is how he utilizes his size and strength. He’s a player that is difficult to move off of the puck, and he uses the aforementioned assets exceedingly well in gaining separation and in battles for loose pucks. Baun is an excellent skater with terrific speed. He has developed into a reliable scorer who can chip in goals at crucial times and can wreak havoc in front of opposing goaltenders. He also does an equally good job of setting up plays. – Hockeys Future
Kyle Baun is a very talented forward who should be able to contribute to the Blackhawks right away in a third or fourth line role. I think the Hawks will definitely appreciate his ability to win battles on the board and his willingness to crash the net for rebounds. He’s got a nice right handed shot.
As this story was being written, the Blackhawks confirmed the signing on twitter.
The #Blackhawks have agreed to terms with free agent forward Kyle Baun on a two-year contract. http://t.co/PkifW66Svp
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 26, 2015
