Gregoire Decides to Leave North Dakota

North Dakota senior-to-be Jason Gregoire has decided to forgo his final year of eligibility to sign a pro contract. The only unknown is what team he will sign a pro contract with. Gregoire was selected in the NHL Draft by the New York Islanders, who still hold his rights, but because Gregoire played a year of junior hockey after being drafted, is now four years removed from being drafted, and has withdrawn from school, he will become a free agent in 30 days if the Islanders have not signed him. Gregoire didn't rule out the possibility of signing with the Islanders, but will definitely wait the 30 days so that he can explore all of his options.

This is the same draft loophole that allowed Blake Wheeler to sign as a free agent with the Boston Bruins rather than the Phoenix Coyotes in 2008. It's not a bad deal for Gregoire who quietly had a pretty solid season while playing in the shadow of teammate Matt Frattin, tallying 25 goals and 18 assists in 35 games. He should be a solid addition for whichever team signs him.