Why burning an ELC year for Gavin Brindley makes sense for the Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets were able to sign one of their top prospects yesterday, convincing University of Michigan star Gavin Brindley to turn pro after a stellar sophomore year.
The Columbus Blue Jackets locked up the player we ranked as the third-best prospect in the system yesterday, signing Gavin Brindley to a three year entry-level contract.
He will join the team immediately, making his debut tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes.
As such, the team burns an entire year of his ELC, which means he'll have just two years remaining on the deal. It's a surprising decision by the Jackets, but if you dive into the particulars, it makes sense.
Since he signed with the Jackets so late in the year (notable wording: not an amateur tryout agreement with the Cleveland Monsters), he's ineligible to be sent down for their playoff run. That's a bummer.
So, why did they sign him now, instead of getting him to sign one of those ATO deals?
Simple: they had to do something to convince him to forego his NCAA eligibility. As recently as this weekend, Brindley was rumored to be returning to Michigan for his junior year.
The Jackets wanted to convince him to turn pro, but with the way NHL entry level contracts work, the team's hands are tied as far as the amount of money they can throw at him.
About the only option they had here, was to pay him for this season and burn the first year of his ELC. By signing him now and putting him directly into their lineup, he gets his signing bonus for this year ($95k); and an NHL salary for the last game of the season.
It seems like this is at least in part what it took to convince Gavin to leave the University of Michigan and turn pro.
While it stinks that they burn an entire year of his ELC, and he isn't going to be playing with the Monsters; I do think it was important that they get him out of college now. He's ready to play professional hockey. Let's talk about what he'll bring on the next page.
Brindley is a dynamic two-way player, who should be an immediate difference maker for the Jackets. That's why it was important for them to get him signed right away.
This season with the Wolverines, Brindley was terrific. He scored 25 goals and 53 points in 40 games, leading a team loaded with top NHL prospects in scoring.
The Florida native also starred for team USA at the World Junior Championships, scoring 6 goals and 10 points in 7 games for the Americans; and taking home a gold medal.
But the best thing about Brindley isn't necessarily his scoring output. He's a hound on the puck, using his speed and surprising physicality to win battles all over the ice.
He plays - and stands out - in all situations, whether it's power-play, even strength, or penalty kill time.
Gavin Brindley after scoring the game-winning goal #GoBlue〽️ pic.twitter.com/HovA42DEZM
— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) March 17, 2024
Brindley is an electrifying player to watch because he brings speed, skill, a great shot; and a work ethic that is second to none. He simply never gives up on any play.
I think he'll step right into the lineup for the Blue Jackets tonight and be a standout player.
The only question I have about Brindley is whether or not his offense will translate to the NHL. I have zero doubt that he'll be an effective player at this level, because even if his offense doesn't fully carry over, he can be a two-way contributor who plays up and down the lineup.
If that offense does come, however - look out. This is a guy who has top line potential, and he can play at center or on the wing.
I'm excited to see what he can do against one of the NHL's best lineups tonight. It should be fun to watch.
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