Speculation has become reality.
Clayton Keller, Boston University’s star freshman forward, has made his NHL dreams come true. On Sunday morning, the seventh overall pick of the 2016 Entry Draft signed with the Arizona Coyotes, marking BU’s first early departure of the offseason.
The 18-year-old penned a three-year, entry-level deal and will play on Monday night against the St. Louis Blues.
With the move, Keller closes the book on a scarlet-and-white career that included a Hockey East Rookie of the Year award, 45 total points, a 15-game point streak and a gold medal with Team USA at the World Junior Championships.
Suffice it say that head coach David Quinn won’t easily replace Keller. We’ll keep you update as more Terriers head to the NHL early, as Charlie McAvoy, Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson and Jordan Greenway are all strong candidates.
Welcome to the Pack, @ClaytonKeller37! https://t.co/s6DCOEbhBj
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) March 26, 2017
Clayton Keller leads the team stretch in his hometown. #Yotes pic.twitter.com/GPd4DODGH8
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) March 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/jake_oettinger/status/846060875404509184
https://twitter.com/chadkrys/status/846069698764689410
Congratulations to my best friend @ClaytonKeller37 on signing with the @ArizonaCoyotes you deserve it, Going to miss you! #Re5 #BauerSelects pic.twitter.com/DeCtnE31sk
— Kieffer Bellows (@BellowsKieffer) March 26, 2017
Whirlwind 24 hours for CK. Flew Fargo ➡️BOS, landed and finalized deal at 2am, took 8am flight BOS ➡️STL for practice. Debut tomorrow night https://t.co/CzQ62mesBs
— Scott Bartlett (@SBartlettHockey) March 26, 2017
Always great to see Terriers realize their NHL dreams.
Best of luck, Clayton… Thanks for a great year. #ProudToBUhttps://t.co/8UPOiXhoQB— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) March 26, 2017