Anaheim Ducks sign undrafted prospect Jaxsen Wiebe to entry-level deal
According to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, the Anaheim Ducks have signed undrafted free agent forward Jaxsen Wiebe to a three-year entry-level contract.
Wiebe, 20, was one of the top UFAs out of the Western Hockey League. In 34 games between Edmonton and Prince George, Wiebe has 31 points and should manage to break the 100-penalty-minute barrier this season.
It’s past March 1 so that means teams can begin signing undrafted players to contracts that start next season.
Hearing #NHLDucks are signing Jaxsen Wiebe from WHL Prince George. Near a point per game this season with 81 PIM, has an edge to his game.
A strong power forward with a penchant for the net, Wiebe was a key piece of Edmonton’s WHL championship effort a year ago. He had eight points in 13 games while showcasing his physical and mind-bending traits that throws opponents off.
Wieber was originally eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft but went unclaimed.
“He’s the type of hard-working forward teams want,” a scout said. “He’s got that physical element that will give him opportunities in the NHL. He likely won’t score a ton, but he doesn’t miss many chances in close.”
After years of toiling near the bottom of the WHL, the Cougars currently sit second in the B.C. Division and should make a splash in the playoffs. The team is led by 2023 NHL Draft prospects Riley Heidt and Koehn Ziemmer, while 20-year-old Chase Wheatcroft is on pace to score over 100 points this year. Wheatcroft will be another name NHL teams could look to sign this off-season.
The Ducks have been quiet in recent days, with the most notable move being the waiver claim of defenseman Scott Harrington. The club also sent Hunter Drew to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for AHLer Josiah Slavin. Anaheim is heavy in the race for Connor Bedard, and already have one of the best prospect pools in the league.
Wiebe will likely spend next season with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls.