McPhee after 1st signing: Vegas likes players who haven't had it easy
The Vegas Golden Knights will gladly take a player the Minnesota Wild chose not to keep.
In fact, the experience of being drafted in 2014 but not signed to an entry-level contract should serve Reid Duke well, says general manager George McPhee.
“He faced the adversity straight on. We like those players that it hasn’t been easy for them. They become scrappers.”- McPhee on Duke
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) March 7, 2017
Related: 3 things to know about Reid Duke
Duke, a 21-year-old forward, became the first player signed by the Golden Knights after agreeing to terms on an entry-level deal Monday. He's well-acquainted with assistant GM Kelly McCrimmon, who owns Duke's junior team, the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings.
In 306 junior games in Brandon and Lethbridge, Duke recorded 113 goals and 137 assists for a point-per-game average of 0.82.
“I like the strength he brings to the game. I think that really translates well for him at the next level.” – George McPhee on Duke
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) March 7, 2017
"It’s pretty amazing, everything that’s gone on in the last years of my junior career leading up to this moment," Duke added, according to the team's Twitter account. "I’m just a part of everything going on. It’s exciting for everyone involved."
A big day for Vegas, but plenty of work yet to do.
“It’s nice to have our first transaction and have our first player ready for Vegas.” -McPhee
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) March 7, 2017