The Penguins added to their prospect pool on Tuesday with the signings of two undrafted free agents, forward Jordan Frasca and goaltender Taylor Gauthier, to three-year entry-level contracts that begin next season.
Frasca, 20, is 6-foot-2, 184 pounds and a left-handed shot. He's currently an alternate captain for the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs, where he's recorded 32 goals and 33 assists through 44 games. His 32 goals lead Kingston and rank fifth in the OHL, and his 13 power play goals rank second in the OHL.
“The Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club couldn’t be more pleased for Jordan,” said Kingston general manager Kory Cooper in a statement. “He has worked extremely hard to earn the opportunity at a professional hockey career. Jordan’s leadership and team first approach has shown through this season and has led to his individual success.”
Gauthier, 21, began the season with the WHL's Prince George Cougars but was traded to the Portland Winterhawks midseason. Gauthier is 6-foot-2, 208 pounds and catches with his right hand. Between his two teams this season he's recorded a 20-6-0 record, 2.17 goals-against average, a .932 save percentage and three shutouts. His goals-against average ranks second in the WHL, and his save percentage ranks first. His three shutouts came in consecutive games, compiling a shutout streak of 252:11 that fell just 10 minutes short of the WHL record established in the 1967-68 season.
Gauthier previously signed a PTO with the Maple Leafs to attend training camp prior to this season, but didn't sign a full contract with the team.
Both Frasca and Gauthier will finish their junior seasons with their respective teams. After the conclusion of their junior seasons, they'll be eligible to sign amateur tryout contracts with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and finish out the AHL season without yet starting their entry-level contracts.
