The Arizona Coyotes signed free agent centre Ryan McGregor to a three-year entry-level contract with undisclosed financial terms. This contract carries him through the 2022-23 season at minimum, with the possibility for an entry-level slide.
OFFICIAL: Per GM Chayka we have signed forward Ryan McGregor to a three-year entry-level contract.https://t.co/vdKQRBzed2
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) March 19, 2020
Ryan McGregor Signs with Arizona Coyotes
McGregor was a free agent after finishing out his 2019-20 campaign as captain of the OHL’s Sarnia Sting. In five seasons with the Sting, the now-21-year-old McGregor put up 90 goals and 138 assists for 228 points in 286 games. He had served as either captain or assistant captain since the 2016-17 season, making for a long and impressive run with the Sting. McGregor was originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the sixth round, 172nd overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, but his exclusive rights expired, making him available to sign with any team. McGregor had a short four-game stint with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL at the end of last season, but went pointless and finished with a -1 rating.
Last season for Sarnia, he scored 27 goals and 41 assists for 68 points in 52 games. He also added 10 minutes in penalties.
What This Means for the Future
McGregor’s signing is an interesting move for Coyotes general manager John Chayka, but not exactly surprising. They’re bringing in a player with good leadership qualities who plays well at both ends of the ice but can’t quite unlock his offensive potential. With that report, he’ll find himself right at home in Arizona’s system. He’ll be playing for a team that’s dynamic but hasn’t been able to unlock their offensive potential either.
While it’s doubtful at this point that Arizona just picked up a superstar, McGregor could end up being an important middle-six player for them down the road. His game is reminiscent of a utility player such as Derek Stepan or Brad Richardson. He could eventually fill that third-line centre role that Stepan will vacate at one point.
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