Wells, DeNoble, Korostelev going pro
Peterborough Petes’ Dylan Wells, Logan DeNoble and Nikita Korostelev will start their professional hockey careers this week.
Wells will join the Edmonton Oilers’ AHL affiliate Bakersfield Condors. Korostelev confirmed he is also headed to an AHL team but did not say which one because they have not officially announced it.
DeNoble said he has offers from ECHL teams and will make a decision by the end of the weekend.
Wells still has an overage year of OHL eligibility but he’s already signed an NHL entry-level contract with Edmonton, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2016, and hopes to play pro next season.
The Condors have goalies Laurent Broissoit, who has NHL experience, and Nick Ellis so it’s not clear if Wells will see action or simply learn the ropes in practice.
“I’m going in with a completely open mind,” said Wells. “it’s a new chapter in my career here. I want to go and just soak in all that I can and learn how it works. My goal is to make the jump next year and anything I can see that can help me to prepare for next year will be huge.
“It’s tougher as a goalie to get into games because they have two pretty proven guys. I just want to get on the ice with the coaches,” he said. “I’ve skated with (Broissoit and Ellis) before at camp. It will be nice to see them and observe how they go about their business every day.”
Wells said it’s a silver lining to a disappointing season in Peterborough.
“I wish we were still playing here in Peterborough. My main focus was to go on a long playoff run,” he said.
DeNoble is coming off his second 30-plus goal season. He’ll get a taste of pro before deciding whether to play there next year or go to university.
“it would be nice to join a team for a playoff run,” said DeNoble. “Growing up playing hockey you always dream of playing pro, no matter what level or where it is. To go and be able to get that experience is very exciting. I’ll try to make the most of however long I’m there and take it all in and use it to become a better hockey player.”
Korostelev returned to the Petes this year after failing to secure a pro contract at Toronto Maple Leafs and Marlies training camps.
He led the Petes in scoring with 30 goals and 75 points.
“It means a lot to go and see how I do at the pro level,” said Korostelev. “It’s a big chance and a bigger opportunity. I’ll just go there and be myself on and off the ice.”