Rockets’ Kole Lind signs entry-level deal with Canucks
Rockets’ leading scorer has bright future in pro
VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks signed forward Kole Lind to a three-year entry-level contract on Thursday.
The 19-year-old from Shaunavon, Sask., has registered a team-leading 85 points (35 goals, 50 assists) in 51 games in his third full season with the Kelowna Rockets. Lind has also posted a plus-20 rating and 59 penalty minutes this season.
In 197 WHL games over parts of four seasons, Lind has registered 214 points (79 goals, 135 assists) in 197 games.
Lind was selected by Vancouver in the second round, 33rd overall, at the 2017 draft.
“Kole has had an outstanding season in Kelowna despite missing games due to illness and injury,” Canucks general manager Jim Benning said in a release. “We’ve been impressed not only with his high-end offensive skill but also in the way he battles, sees the ice and makes plays in the defensive end. “We’re excited for him to continue his development and provide further forward depth for our organization.”
Lind has improved his pointsper-game in each of his seasons with Kelowna.
In his rookie campaign, Lind played 70 games, producing 14 goals and 27 assists for 41 points.
Last season, Lind again played 70 games, scoring 30 goals and 57 assists for a team-leading 87 points.
Lind is playing his final season of junior and will be turning pro in the fall.