Nashville Predators Sign Memorial Cup Winning Forward

Yesterday, the Nashville Predators announced the signing of Kingston Frontenacs' forward Joey Willis to a three-year, entry-level contract. 

With three seasons under his belt, the 2005-born Willis is a veteran in the league. The Elmhurst, Illinois native spent his first two years with Saginaw before being moved to Kingston for a bevy of picks at this year's trade deadline. 

The Predators selected Willis with their fourth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft after the American-born forward finished his rookie OHL campaign with 44 points in 68 games.

So far this season has been excellent for Willis, who has scored 21 goals and recorded 23 assists, for a total of 44 points in just 42 games.

In November, he set the franchise record in Saginaw for most goals scored in a single game by potting five against Flint.

While Saginaw chose to trade Willis and several other 19-year-old players to Kingston at the deadline, they did so with a heavy heart. He played a very important role for the team.  

Spirit GM Dave Drinkill noted specifically that while the trades were necessary, it was difficult to watch a player like Willis leave the organization. 

Since arriving in Kingston, Willis has 10 points in 12 games playing for one of the deepest forward groups in the league. 

The young forward comes with a winning track record at the highest levels. He won gold with this year's World Junior Championship roster and helped Saginaw to win the Memorial Cup at the end of last season. 

With the gold medal win, he became the sixth American-born player to win the Memorial Cup and World Junior Championship.

By signing Willis, the Predators are adding a young forward with plenty of experience winning in Major Juniors. While he is a work in progress, he projects as a player who could play a role in the Predators starting lineup in the future.