The Vegas Golden Knights have signed collegiate free agent defenceman Jimmy Schuldt to a one-year, entry-level contract that runs him through the end of this season. Financial terms are yet to be disclosed.
Jimmy Schuldt has signed a one-year, entry-level deal with the #goldenknights.
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 3, 2019
Jimmy Schuldy Signs With Vegas
The Minnetonka, Minn. native just wrapped up his college career with the St. Cloud State Huskies. He totaled 38 goals and 80 assists for 118 points in 156 games with St. Cloud.
Last season he scored 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points in 39 games. He helped lead his school to the NCHC regular season championship. However, St. Cloud State was bounced out of the NCAA tournament for the second straight year by an Atlantic Hockey conference team. The Huskies were upset by American International in the opening round.
Schuldt is a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award for college hockey’s top player. He was the conference’s top defenceman, team captain and made the conference’s all-academic team.
The defender was considering the Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders, St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers. He informed his hometown team that he would not be signing with them earlier on Wednesday.
What This Means for the Future
He was only eligible to sign a one-year deal due to him turning 24 in May. He immediately burns that year and becomes a restricted free agent in the off-season. It’s the same situation as former Clarkson University forward Nico Sturm when he signed with the Wild.
Vegas will have a chance to land one of the better college blue-liners this off-season. Schuldt is a very good with the body and can clear space in front of the net. His offensive game is also very good as he can make a great first pass out of the zone. He also has a big shot from the point and can quarterback the power play.
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA – JANUARY 04: Jimmy Schuldt #22 of the St. Cloud State Huskies controls the puck against Greg Campbell #20 of the Union Dutchmen in the third period during the game at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on January 4, 2019 in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
