The Predators announced today that they officially signed defenseman Samuel Girard to a three-year entry-level contract. He was their 2nd overall draft pick from this past summer.
From the Predators website:
Nashville, Tenn. (September 28, 2016) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced Wednesday that the team has signed defenseman Samuel Girard to a three-year entry-level contract. Girard, 18 (5/12/98), has played the last two seasons with the Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL). In 2015-16, he played 67 games, amassing 74 points (10g-64a). He posted a plus-24 rating and scored seven power-play goals. Girard played 64 games for the Cataractes in 2014-15, recording 43 points (5g-38a) and a plus-15 rating.Nashville’s second choice, 47th overall (second round), in the 2016 Entry Draft and a native of Roberval, Quebec, Girard is currently attending 2016 Predators Training Camp. He skated 20:49 on Tuesday in the Preds’ second preseason game against the Florida Panthers.
Girard made #10 on OTF’s “Top 25 Under 25” from this past summer. Here’s our very own Bryant Fair on the young defenseman prospect:
…Girard’s high-end speed and smarts lends greatly towards his fantastic puck-moving ability. Though he does not have a notably good shot, Girard is a very effective power play quarterback who can distribute very well and find sticks out in front of the net. If he can make it to the NHL, that offense and puck-moving ability will be his two calling cards.
Just another speedy, puck-moving defenseman to add to the mix.
Girard is from Roberval, Quebec, which is the 359th largest city in Canada.