The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have signed one of their top prospects Ryan Poehling to a three-year entry-level contract. The contract will carry him through the 2020-21 season.
Montreal Canadiens Sign Ryan Poehling
The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract (2018-19 to 2020-21) with forward Ryan Poehling.
He will join the Canadiens for the rest of the season.
DETAILS ➡️ https://t.co/Asx2tJSpUM#GoHabsGo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 31, 2019
Ryan Poehling spent the past season playing for the St. Cloud State Huskies in the NCHC. In 36 games this season, Poehling scored eight goals and added 23 assists for 31 points. The Huskies were recently eliminated in the first round of the NCAA hockey tournament. The club got upset by the American International College 2-1.
Poehling spent the past three seasons with the Huskies where he recorded 29 goals and 46 assists for 75 points in 107 games.
Poehling also represented Team U.S.A in this year’s World Junior Hockey Championships. He helped Team U.S.A secure a silver medal at the tournament. He was also named the tournament MVP as well as Best Forward.
Poehling was originally drafted by the Canadiens in the first-round, 25th overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
What This Means for the Future
The Poehling news breathes a sigh of relief for a lot of Habs fans. Fans feared Poehling might return to college next season. Had Poehling elected to go that route, there was a chance he could have become a free agent in August of 2020.
Poehling will join the Canadiens immediately and will be with the club for their upcoming contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reports via Twitter that Poehling will burn the first year of his entry-level deal immediately. This news is significant because it means that Poehling will burn a year of his contract regardless of if he plays or not.
Montreal is firmly in a playoff race currently, so, it is possible they wish to keep their current roster together. However, if they either clinch or are eliminated by game 82, one may expect Ryan Poehling to draw in for that game.
Ryan Poehling immediately burns the first year after signing his three-year, entry-level contract with the #habs.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 31, 2019
In Poehling, the Canadiens are bringing in a gifted offensive presence. Additionally, a big centre which the club has longed for, for years. It’s unclear where he will slot into the lineup, but he will certainly bring some extra firepower to the Canadiens line up.
The Canadiens will certainly welcome Poehling with open arms, as they look to secure the final wild-card position in the East.
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