After spurning the Coyotes contract offers, Minnesota Gophers forward Blake Wheeler has decided to sign a 2-year deal with the Boston Bruins.
Wheeler was the 5th overall pick in the 2004 draft by the Phoenix Coyotes. He spent a year in the USHL, then moved on to 3 seasons with the University of Minnesota. He chose to skip his senior year and go pro.
Because it has been 4 years since he was drafted, Wheeler had the opportunity to become a free agent instead of sign with Phoenix.
It's an interesting NHL rule that seems like a lucrative move for many prospects. Instead of being stuck with the team that signs them, a top prospect can choose the team he wants to play for, and sign a big contract. The only problem is that the NHL puts a cap on entry-level contracts. An entry-level free agent must sign a two-year deal worth no more than 875,000 a season. Teams write in incentive bonuses that can increase a salary, but that's the basic format. Phoenix GM Don Maloney had this to say about dealing with Wheeler;
