Former NHL Draft pick Ben Gaudreau will get another crack at professional hockey, as he signs an ATO with the Syracuse Crunch.
Ben Gaudreau's major junior career officially came to an end when the Erie Otters were eliminated in the first round of the OHL Playoffs, and now he will look to earn a contract at the professional level.
Gaudreau has signed an Amateur Tryout Agreement with the AHL's Syracuse Crunch — the affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Splitting his season with the Sarnia Sting and the Erie Otters, Gaudreau wasn't really able to find his footing in the OHL this season. He had a 3.29 GAA and a .890% save percentage through 34 starts with the Erie Otters this season — numbers that don't really jump off of the board.
Now, all of that is behind him and he will get a chance to battle for a professional contract with the Syracuse Crunch.
Gaudreau was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the third round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, but was never signed by the club — therefore his rights became unaffiliated and he re-entered the NHL Draft. He wasn't selected, and Syracuse was the first team to jump on him and bring him on for an ATO.
Gaudreau has had a junior career full of ups-and-downs, but he will get another opportunity with Syracuse for the remainder of the 2023-2024 season. His athleticism is nothing short of high-end, and we have seen him make several highlight reel, last-minute saves throughout his career.
The Syracuse Crunch are currently playing in a five-game playoff series against the Rochester Americans, where Gaudreau may get an opportunity to jump in at some point.