12°c Overcast
17°c Cloudy with showers
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Jets poised to sign UND's Gregoire
Unrestricted free agent expected to pass up final year of college hockey to turn pro
THE Winnipeg Jets are about to add more local content as they are expected to reach an agreement with hometown left-winger Jason Gregoire, if they haven't already.
Known as a smart, two-way forward, Gregoire will pass up his final year of college hockey eligibility with the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux.
Gregoire, 22, spent the last three seasons in Grand Forks.
He decided to leave college this spring to take advantage of a window afforded him by the NHL's labour agreement, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.
He was drafted by the New York Islanders in 2007 in the third round, but had not been signed.
Gregoire, when was was drafted by the Islanders, was playing for the USHL's Lincoln Stars. He went to North Dakota the following season.
In the NHL's CBA, any college player who does not remain a bona fide college student through the graduation of his college class becomes a free agent four June 1s after he was drafted.
The Islanders kept Gregoire's exclusive rights up to June 1 of this year, but not beyond, because he left college.
That put Gregoire on the open market early last month.
The only other player known to have taken advantage of the labour-agreement loophole is Blake Wheeler, also of the Jets, the Grand Forks Herald reported this spring.
Wheeler signed with the Boston Bruins in 2008 after being drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round of the 2004 entry draft.
Gregoire put up seasons of 29, 37 and 43 points for the Fighting Sioux.
His production in 2010-11 was even more impressive given that he played eight fewer games than the previous season due to injury.
He scored 25 goals in 35 games in the season just completed and given his new free agent status this spring, was pursued by several NHL teams.
tim.campbell@freeepress.mb.ca
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 7, 2011 D2
- Back to Top
- Return to Hockey
Poll
Most Popular Hockey
- Vigneault will be a man in demand
- Catching up with the Jets
- Burmistrov wants out of Winnipeg
- Knights shred Blades for berth
- Kane's days are numbered in 'Peg
- Season over for pesky Sens: Pittsburgh eliminates Ottawa from playoffs in Game 5
- Quick shuts out Sharks again, and LA Kings surge ahead in series with gritty 3-0 win in Game 5
- Don Cherry criticizes Canucks general manager Gillis on Coach's Corner
- Hockeytown heroes on a roll
- Buff just 'sitting around a lot' now
- Burmistrov wants out of Winnipeg
- Catching up with the Jets
- Vigneault will be a man in demand
- Ready for prime time
- Kane's days are numbered in 'Peg
- Pittsburgh Penguins take Game 4 with 7-3 romp over Ottawa Senators
- Jets cut ties to ECHL club
- Ex-Jets MacLean, Carlyle on Sochi coaching list
- Colin Greening has OT winner in Senators 2-1 victory; Penguins lead series 2-1
- Red Wings flying high
- Enough of Buff: Get rid of him
- Burmistrov wants out of Winnipeg
- For first time, Jets GM Cheveldayoff is poised to put stamp on the franchise
- Chevy's choice: Stick with Noel or pursue Vigneault
- Young prospects will get every opportunity to stick with the big club: Cheveldayoff
- It's broke - Fix it
- Jets' playoff hopes dealt fatal blow
- This end-of-season scenario old, and Jets fans and players know it
- It's lucky 13 for the Winnipeg Jets at NHL draft
- Scheifele’s dominance makes Jets look wise
- Burmistrov wants out of Winnipeg
- Vigneault will be a man in demand
- Avalanche remain silent on report that former star goalie Patrick Roy may return as coach
- Sharks try to shrug off Thursday's 3-0 loss to the Kings in Game 5
- Enough of Buff: Get rid of him
- Winnipeg Jets among most expensive pro teams to watch
- Burmistrov wants out of Winnipeg
- It's broke - Fix it
- When money talks, it says, 'End fighting in the NHL'
- Vigneault will be a man in demand
- Manitobans go fourth, fifth in WHL draft
- Summer could be a sizzler
- Wheat Kings land Patrick after draft day deal
- Chevy's choice: Stick with Noel or pursue Vigneault
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.