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Mar. 26—GRAND FORKS — UND defenseman Caleb MacDonald is headed to pro hockey.
The sophomore signed a two-year contract with the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday, giving up his final two years of college eligibility.
MacDonald's NHL contract will start next season.
"Caleb MacDonald is a big, strong defenseman who excels at blocking shots and being sound and sturdy in the defensive zone," Columbus general manager Don Waddell said. "We are pleased to welcome him to the Blue Jackets and look forward to his taking the next steps in his career with our organization."
MacDonald spent one season at UND after transferring from Alaska.
He scored three goals and tallied 10 points in 35 games, while averaging 20:41 of ice time per game.
As a freshman, he scored four goals and 14 points in 31 games for the Nanooks.
MacDonald was one of the elders on UND's defensive corps, which was made up of strictly underclassmen after Bennett Zmolek suffered a season-ending injury Game 1.
Zmolek said he plans to return for next season.
MacDonald is the first player from the defensive corps to leave.
UND could return the rest of its defensive corps — sophomore Jake Livanavage, sophomore Abram Wiebe, freshman E.J. Emery, freshman Andrew Strathmann, freshman Jayden Jubenvill and sophomore Tanner Komzak.
UND has commitments from Moorhead defensemen Sam Laurila and Garrett Lindberg. Both are eligible to come to campus.
MacDonald was an undrafted free agent and had attracted NHL attention from several teams with his size and strength.
MacDonald is the third player from the 2024-25 UND team to sign a pro contract.
Senior forward Jackson Kunz signed with the Abbotsford Canucks in the American Hockey League. Senior forward Jake Schmaltz signed with the Providence Bruins of the AHL.
Continue reading...
The sophomore signed a two-year contract with the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday, giving up his final two years of college eligibility.
MacDonald's NHL contract will start next season.
"Caleb MacDonald is a big, strong defenseman who excels at blocking shots and being sound and sturdy in the defensive zone," Columbus general manager Don Waddell said. "We are pleased to welcome him to the Blue Jackets and look forward to his taking the next steps in his career with our organization."
MacDonald spent one season at UND after transferring from Alaska.
He scored three goals and tallied 10 points in 35 games, while averaging 20:41 of ice time per game.
As a freshman, he scored four goals and 14 points in 31 games for the Nanooks.
MacDonald was one of the elders on UND's defensive corps, which was made up of strictly underclassmen after Bennett Zmolek suffered a season-ending injury Game 1.
Zmolek said he plans to return for next season.
MacDonald is the first player from the defensive corps to leave.
UND could return the rest of its defensive corps — sophomore Jake Livanavage, sophomore Abram Wiebe, freshman E.J. Emery, freshman Andrew Strathmann, freshman Jayden Jubenvill and sophomore Tanner Komzak.
UND has commitments from Moorhead defensemen Sam Laurila and Garrett Lindberg. Both are eligible to come to campus.
MacDonald was an undrafted free agent and had attracted NHL attention from several teams with his size and strength.
MacDonald is the third player from the 2024-25 UND team to sign a pro contract.
Senior forward Jackson Kunz signed with the Abbotsford Canucks in the American Hockey League. Senior forward Jake Schmaltz signed with the Providence Bruins of the AHL.
Continue reading...
