The Montreal Canadiens have added another young defenceman as Jayden Struble signs a two-year, entry-level contract. Struble recently wrapped up a decorated college career at Northeastern University in the NCAAs. The deal will see the defender make $775,000 per season at the NHL level and starts in 2023-24 campaign.
He also signed an AHL contract so he can play with the Laval Rocket of the AHL this season. The deal was finalized on Wednesday morning and announced on social media.
The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a two-year, entry-level contract (2023-24 to 2024-25) with defenseman Jayden Struble.#GoHabsGo https://t.co/Qts2VGJzLA
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 15, 2023
Jayden Struble Signs ELC with Canadiens
The 21-year-old recorded one goal and 11 assists in 31 games with the Huskies, who play in the Hockey East conference. He helped Northeastern win the Beanpot over highly-regarded schools like Boston College, Boston University and Harvard. The Cumberland, R.I. native was taken in the second round, 46th overall by the Canadiens in the 2019 NHL Draft. He totaled 48 points in 104 games in the college ranks.
He becomes the sixth player from that draft class to join the professional ranks with the headliner being Cole Caufield. Mattias Norlinder, Gianni Fairbrother, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, and Arsen Khisamutdinov also signed their ELCs with the Habs. However, Khisamutdinov had his contract terminated.
Impact of Jayden Struble
Struble won’t fill up the net with pucks, but he’s still a good prospect. He brings a sound defensive game to the Rocket and would be eligible for the playoff roster should they qualify. The young blueliner also has a bit of an edge to his game that will serve him well at the next level.
Laval needs healthy players and Struble brings that. His strong physical attributes can help the Rocket out right away. He’s got good size at 6-foot tall and 205 pounds, which should help ease him into the professional game. Former Northeastern teammate Jordan Harris has done well transitioning into the Canadiens lineup with three goals and 15 points in 60 games this season.
Main photo by: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
