The Detroit Red Wings have signed free agent defenseman Dan Renouf out of the University of Maine to a two-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Thursday.
This season he put up six goals and 15 points through 38 games. That’s the highest point total of Renouf’s three-year NCAA career.
“Good size, really good mobility, plays with a bit of aggression from the back end,” Detroit assistant general manager Ryan Martin told MLive.
Martin also praised Renouf’s development and that the team sees the possibility for Renouf to continue growing his game.
That’s a sentiment that has been echoed by a number of scouts. Back in October, Jeff Cox of SB Nation College Hockey praised the growth of Renouf’s game during his sophomore season, adding “He has a good pivot and is responsible in his own zone. He has a good stick and can be physical, but most importantly, he doesn’t get beaten often. He keeps it simple and generally is mistake-free.”
The 6-foot-3 defenseman will forgo his senior season at Maine to join the Red Wings organization, where he’s expected to join the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL.
MLive reports that the plan is to have Renouf report to Grand Rapids “for about 10 days.” After that he’ll return to Maine for “some school commitments,” and then rejoin the team for the remainder of the season. He would be eligible to play in the Calder Cup Playoffs if the team deems him ready for the challenge.
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