Jack Dugan signs entry-level contract with Golden Knights

Jack Dugan was left in limbo since he decided in May to turn pro, unsure if he was eligible to sign a contract with the Golden Knights for this season.

The NCAA’s leading scorer finally provided closure on the matter Thursday, as Dugan signed a two-year entry-level deal with the club.

“I was waiting to see what was going to happen, and obviously the NHL ruled against it, which is why today I came out and signed,” Dugan said. “I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to be with Vegas. One way or another, I was hoping that was going to be able to happen.”

Dugan’s deal comes with the rookie maximum $925,000 average annual value and a $92,500 signing bonus in each season, according to a source.

More significantly, the contract will begin with the 2020-21 season, making Dugan a restricted free agent in 2022.

The return-to-play agreement that was negotiated between the NHL and NHL Players’ Association provided a 53-hour window starting Monday to sign for the 2019-20 season.

But since he is ineligible to participate in the NHL postseason, Dugan decided not to burn the first year of his contract.

“It gives Jack a real good opportunity to get his feet wet in pro hockey before he’s going into a contract year,” general manager Kelly McCrimmon said. “If he burned the year, right away he’s turning pro staring at a contract year, which, it is what it is. It would have been fine. We were open-minded to doing it either way, but we’re pleased, first and foremost, to have Jack under contract.”

Dugan was a fifth-round pick by the Knights in 2017 and posted an NCAA-best 52 points in 34 games as a sophomore at Providence. The 6-foot-2-inch, 194-pound right wing was named one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award as the nation’s top college hockey player.

With the Knights projected to be tight against the salary cap for 2020-21, Dugan could challenge for a spot on the opening roster.

“I’ll be able to go into training camp, really see what I’m up against,” Dugan said. “Hopefully I’ll make an impact, leave an impression. That’s really all I’m trying to do.”

Thompson departs

The Silver Knights are looking for a new head coach.

Rocky Thompson, who coached the Golden Knights’ American Hockey League affiliate the past three seasons, is leaving the organization to pursue an opportunity with another NHL club, McCrimmon said.

Multiple reports indicated Thompson was expected to be hired as an assistant coach with the Sharks, but San Jose general manager Doug Wilson told the Bay Area News Group the team was still evaluating candidates.

In three seasons with the Chicago Wolves, Thompson went 113-71-18-11 and won two Central Division titles. He led the team to the Calder Cup final in 2019.

New face in camp

Goalie Logan Thompson is expected to participate in training camp this weekend after he finishes his mandatory quarantine period, McCrimmon said.

Thompson signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Knights on Monday.

Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow @DavidSchoenLVRJ on Twitter.