When Drew Helleson was signed by the Anaheim Ducks just after they acquired his rights, they could have had the entry-level contract kick in right away. That would have meant burning the first season of the three-year deal though, something that the team avoided by having it start in 2022-23. With the deal not kicking in just yet, Helleson will be signing an amateur tryout contract with the San Diego Gulls for the rest of this season, according to Elliott Teaford of the OC Register.
The 20-year-old defenseman is coming off an outstanding season with Boston College and could very well be in the NHL as soon as next year, depending on how his transition to professional hockey goes. He’ll get an early chance to test that transition, and the Gulls need him. At 22-25-2 with 19 games remaining, the team is currently occupying the very last postseason spot in the Pacific Division.
Another young defenseman who signed recently is in a very different situation. Alex Vlasic’s entry-level…
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