Vegas Golden Knights prospect forward Jack Dugan has foregone the remaining two years at Providence and agreed to terms with the NHL club, the team announced on Monday.
Terms were not immediately announced from the team regarding Dugan, who was the NCAA’s leading scorer as a sophomore last season (10 goals, 42 assists).
Multiple outlets have confirmed it is a two-year entry-level deal for Dugan. The Las Vegas Review-Journal confirmed via Dugan’s agent, Brian Bartlett, that the forward has agreed in principle to multiple ELC deals pending on how the remainder of the NHL’s season plays out.
The NHL has been on pause since March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to continue to play a key role in the development of Jack Dugan as both a hockey player and as a young man within our organization,” Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said in a statement provided by the club. “Jack took significant steps in his growth over the past two seasons as one of the best all-around players in college hockey, and has proven that he is ready for the next challenge in his young career.”
Dugan, a fifth-round pick (No. 142) by the Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Draft, took to Twitter to express his thanks toward the Providence community and excitement toward joining Vegas.
Thankful for these past two years at Providence. I couldn’t be more grateful for this next opportunity and excited to get going with Vegas whenever that may be!
— Jack Dugan (@JackDugan8) May 11, 2020
Dugan has quickly moved to the top of the Golden Knights’ prospects list. The 6-foot-2 forward from Pittsburgh had 42 assists last season, which was tops in the nation. He’s stood out during development camp and main camp the past couple of seasons.
If Dugan were to join the Golden Knights and play out the rest of the season, he would burn one year of his entry-level deal. He would be a restricted free agent upon the end of his deal.
Dugan was a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top college hockey player in the nation. He led the country in points per game (1.53) and assists per game (1.24).