Drazenovic signs with Blues
As reported in Monday's Citizen through information from NHL and WHL sources, Cougars centre Nick Drazenovic has signed a three-year, entry-level NHL contract with the St. Louis Blues. Terms were not disclosed, but the signing means the local product's WHL career is almost certainly over.
Drazenovic was taken in the sixth round, 171st overall, in the 2005 entry draft. After setting a career high in goals (30) and points (62) as an 18-year-old, Drazenovic slumped to 18 goals and 50 points this past season. In the playoffs, Drazenovic had nine goals in 15 games, and still sits in the top five in WHL playoff scoring.
"I'm happy for Nick -- he's done what he was in our league for and it was only a matter of time," said Thompson.
"Nick's had a good career and dealt with the pressure of being a local guy."
Without Drazenovic next season, the third overage spot will come down to a decision between Greg Gardner, Chris Durand and Richard Rapac. Defenceman Kalvin Sagert and netminder Real Cyr are all but guaranteed two of the three places.
"We lose a guy who puts up a lot of numbers offensively, and we expected to lose a lot of offence for next year," said Thompson.