Top Prospect Signings (Aug 19)

As of Monday, it was NCAA free agent season, where kids that finished their collegiate careers who didn't sign with their original draft team could opt for unrestricted free agency and it wasn't until Wednesday, before the first player signed.  Former Flames draft pick, defenseman John Gilmour, opted to sign with the New York Rangers, getting a 2-year entry-level deal.

Gilmour played four seasons at Providence, where he had a steady offensive career for his school, finishing with 23 points in 34 games in his senior season.  The scouting report on Gilmour is that despite his size, 5'11" & 180 lbs., he is a strong defender with good instincts and offense upside.  It will be interesting to see where he fits in to the Rangers' system.

On Friday morning, another NCAA grad put pen to paper with another team that he wasn't drafted by, as a former Washington Capitals pick, forward Thomas DiPauli, opted for free agency and chose the Pittsburgh Penguins.  DiPauli, 23, also signed a 2-year entry-level deal with the Penguins, terms and bonuses not disclosed right away.

DiPauli isn't really scouted as great talent for the hockey pool, but he gets a mention, since it is that time of year.  The winger is described more as a plucky two-way player and he could certainly find a role in the bottom six down the road, but I would imagine he would find some time in the minors before the jump to the NHL.

And what's a top prospect post without a top draft pick that signs with his draft team? The Ottawa Senators signed the 11th overall pick in this past June's draft, forward Logan Brown, giving him the maximum 3-year entry-level deal, likely with the base cap hit of $925,000 and then the bonuses would be worked out at the end of each playing season.

Brown is a big-bodied centre, who has all kinds of upside and this was a pretty good pick-up for the Senators, who don't boast a great deal of size through their lineup.  The Senators certainly have some spots in their current projected lineup that could be considered up for grabs, which could make Brown a candidate for at least a tryout at the start of the regular season.  He will certainly be one to keep an eye on through training camp.