The Minnesota Wild have signed forwards Adam Beckman and Damien Giroux to three-year deals. Both are entry-level contracts that will take the players through the 2022-23 season. General Manager Bill Guerin announced the news late Monday morning.
NEWS: #mnwild General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the club has signed forwards Adam Beckman and Damien Giroux to three-year, entry-level contracts.
More information: https://t.co/96qQoLBNTc pic.twitter.com/R6ddbx0nBy
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 23, 2020
Wild Sign Beckman and Giroux
The 20-year-year Giroux is the older of the two. He was originally drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 Draft. The 5’9″ centre has been with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit for the past four seasons. He has seen his scoring climb each year with the team with 2019-20 being the best. Giroux scored 44 goals and 75 points in 61 games before the current global pandemic forced play to cease.
The 18-year-old Beckman had an even more incredible season with the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL. The former third-round pick from the 2019 Draft, Beckman scored 48 goals and 107 points in 63 games. He has good size for his age as well. The team website lists Beckman at 6’1″, 174 pounds. He will need to gain some weight but he has a good starting point.
What to Expect from Giroux and Beckman
Beckman will probably play in the WHL for at least one more season. Minnesota’s depth on the wing is good for now but will need some attention after the 2020-21 season. That is when a half-dozen forwards is scheduled to reach free agency. There is a chance Minnesota calls Beckman to the NHL after next season’s training camp but it is not necessary or likely.
Giroux will spend next year in one of Minnesota’s affiliate organizations. He had a great career in junior hockey but some extra seasoning against professionals in the AHL or ECHL might be necessary considering his size. Minnesota did not spend a high draft pick on him and might not feel compelled to rush his development. However, both of these players could factor into the Wild’s upcoming rebuild.
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