Canucks sign top prospect, scoop him away from other NHL teams

This just in, the Vancouver Canucks have signed NCAA forward Aidan McDonough to a two year entry level contract.

The 23 year old McDonough recently concluded his college career with Northeastern and looks to be on the fast-track to the NHL. He could have elected to hit free agency this upcoming offseason, but instead has decided to sign with the Canucks, the team who drafted him in the 7th round (195th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

"Aidan has continued to improve his game each year since being drafted and we are very pleased to have agreed to terms with him today," said GM Patrick Allvin in a prepared statement. "He has steadily grown into a leadership role with Northeastern throughout his time there and our development team is looking forward to working with him as he starts his pro hockey career."

McDonough led the Northeastern Huskies in goals (20) and points (38) in 34 games this past season. He's 6', 2", 200 lbs and plays a physical game that looks like it will translate well into the professional ranks. 

To be clear, this may look like a minor signing but there were a LOT of NHL teams hoping that McDonough would make it to free agency so that they could scoop him up on an entry-level deal and get him directly into the NHL. It remains to be seen how things play out with the Canucks, but there's reason to believe that this kid could make an immediate impact in the NHL. Stay tuned.