Seattle Kraken prospect Tyson Jugnauth is reportedly signing an NHL contract despite committing to play for Michigan State University for the 2025-26 season, according to Nathaniel Bott.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a phenomenal season in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks, scoring 13 goals and 89 points in 65 games, en route to winning the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy for the WHL's defenseman of the year.
Michigan State is projected to be a dominant team in the NCAA once again, with players like Isaac Howard and Trey Augustine returning to a team that was ranked No.1 throughout most of the season while also adding 2024 fourth-overall pick Cayden Lindstrom.
Jugnauth could have helped them further by providing them with additional offence from the blue line, but at 21 years of age, it's not surprising to see Jugnauth feel he is ready for professional hockey.
Jugnauth played in the NCAA for a season and a half but left the University of Wisconsin to join the Winterhawks in the 2023-24 season.
He will have an excellent opportunity to develop in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds alongside the likes of Ty Nelson and Ville Ottavainen.
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Coachella Valley Firebirds Miss Calder Cup Finals For First Time In Franchise History; Canucks Advance
<b>Friday May 9th—Abbotsford, BC— </b>The Abbotsford Canucks eliminated the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/latest-news/firebirds-clinch-playoff-berth-and-home-ice-advantage-for-round-one">Coachella Valley Firebirds</a> in a nail-biting 2-0 shutout. This is the first time in the team's 3-year history that they will not compete in the AHL's Calder Cup Finals.