The Charlottetown Islanders have announced that they have signed centerman Jude Herron, the team's eighth round pick this past draft, to a contract.

Herron, 16, has been playing 16-U AAA in the United States in his home state of Maine where he has 26 points (14+12) over just 22 games.

He joins the Islanders thanks in large part to the recent NCAA rule change allowing CHL players to maintain NCAA eligibility, as Herron is committed to the Maine Black Bears for the 2026-27 season. 

He marks the first US-born player to make the jump to the QMJHL after the ruling.

With the Islanders not being amongst the top competitive teams, Herron could very well find himself with a good opportunity and role right out of the gate.

Arguably the most-interesting tidbit from the press release. 

"With Herron becoming the first signing under the new NCAA eligibility rule, Islanders fans can expect to see more American-born talent joining the team in the future."

It should be of note that the Islanders drafted another US-born player this past summer, 6-foot-4 defenseman Sullivan Martin.