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Blackhawks high-end forward prospect signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning after refusing an offer from Chicago
Photo credit: NHL.com
High-end prospect Dominic James ended his career with the UMD Bulldogs, intending on going pro in a troubling scenario; he refused to sign with Kyle Davidson and the Chicago Blackhawks and has instead joined the Tampa Bay Lightning.
A sneaky move to say the least, did James already know that he'd have an offer from the Lightning organization if he refused a contract with the Blackhawks?
In a surprising scenario, the Chicago Blackhawks and their former 6th-round pick were unable to come to terms in April.
The former UMD Bulldogs forward, and 173rd overall pick, Dominic James, has chosen a new home in the NHL, much to the dismay of the Blackhawks front office.
He will be suiting up for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL. This is great news for Julien BriseBois, who lost forward Isaac Howard this season.
In the end, they still won out with the former Blackhawks draft pick.
Dominic James signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning
While the team hasn't yet revealed the deal publicly, the terms of the deal are unknown. We will find out the length of the contract and the value at a later date.
They will be getting a great prospect in Dominic James, who was once a captain of the UMD Bulldogs and last season put up 14-16-30 in 35 games in the NCAA.
"However, the Blackhawks didn't sign the Plymouth, Mich., native by the Aug. 15 deadline earlier this summer, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent."
James played a total of 111 games with the UMD Bulldogs and scored 30-47-77 points with the team and ended his collegiate career with a +10.
An attribute that the Lightning will certainly love, as he's capable of defending in his team's own zone. A key factor in controlling the ice and reclaiming possession of the puck.
He's been a factor in the latest iteration of the IIHF World Junior Championships, scoring an assist in five games for Team USA.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 20 | 331 ANSWERS Blackhawks high-end forward prospect signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning after refusing an offer from Chicago Do you think forward Dominic James will make the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup? | ||
| Yes | 105 | 31.7 % |
| No | 226 | 68.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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