A talented player at the collegiate level has officially signed a big-league contract.
On Monday, Philadelphia Flyers general manager Danny Briere announced the team has signed defenseman Hunter McDonald to a two-year, entry-level contract.
The contract will begin with the 2024-25 season, with the cap hit yet to be reported. In the meantime, McDonald is continuing to play with the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on a pro tryout.
McDonald was taken in the sixth round by the Flyers during the 2022 NHL Draft. The Fairport, New York native was coming off his second and final season in the United States Hockey League, where he played with both the Omaha Lancers and Chicago Steel. He also played junior hockey with the Rochester Monarchs (NCDC) and the Corus Christi IceRays (NAHL).
McDonald then went on to play for Northeastern University. In two seasons with the Huskies, he registered two goals and 20 points in 58 games, and was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team, and was also named the conference’s best defensive defenseman, for the 2022-23 campaign.
After the Huskies were knocked out of the Hockey East Tournament last month, McDonald joined the Phantoms, making his professional debut on March 23 against the Bridgeport Islanders. The 21-year-old registered his first pro point on April 5 against the Providence Bruins. In nine games, McDonald has posted two assists with Lehigh Valley.
As a result of the signing, the Flyers have 37 standard player contracts signed through next season, and 22 for the 2025-26 campaign. According to CapFriendly, Philadelphia is projected to have a little over $1 million in cap space for the 2024-25 season.
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