Ducks sign Maxim Golod to three-year entry-level contract

The Anaheim Ducks haves signed undrafted left wing Maxim Golod to a three-year entry-level contract worth $2,379,999. The contract is backloaded and includes a $60,000 signing bonus each year, carrying an average annual value of $793,333. The 20-year-old also has a minors salary of $55,000.

Golod was an alternate captain with the Erie Otters last year where he led the team in points (78), assists (53), power play points (26) and shots (252) over 63 games. He also tied for first in power play assists (19), ranked second in goals (25) and third in power play goals (7).

In 2016, Golod was selected in the 13th round (261st overall) of the OHL Priority Selection. He won Rookie of the Year with the Otters in 2018 and the Vinny Scott Award for Determination in 2019, as well as team MVP and leading scorer in 2020. He was also teammates with 2020 Ducks first-round selection Jamie Drysdale for the last two seasons in Erie.

Despite attending NHL training camps with the Detroit Red Wings in 2018 and Philadelphia Flyers in 2019, Golod went undrafted after putting up back-to-back campaigns of 33 and 35 points. Last year, Golod stepped up in a big way, but like many a late bloomer before him, it’s always reasonable to ask if this sudden success is sustainable.

Golod will be eligible for a fourth and final overage season with the Otters in 2020-21. OHL training camps are scheduled to start on Sunday, November 15, with a target season opener of December 1.