Fasching watch has officially come to an end, as the Sabres have announced the signing of Hudson Fasching to his entry-level deal. He scored 20 goals and 18 assists in 37 games with the Minnesota Golden Gophers this season.
He will report to the Sabres immediately, likely burning the first year of his contract. He will not debut tomorrow against Carolina, meaning Saturday against Winnipeg will likely be his first experience in the blue and gold.
The former fourth-round pick was acquired from the Los Angeles Kings along with Nick Deslauriers in exchange for Brayden McNabb and two second round picks. He scored 46 goals and 48 assists during his three-year career at Minnesota. He scored one goal and two assists in five games at the U-20 World Junior tournament.
Fasching, a right winger, is ranked by Hockey News as the Sabres’ second best prospect. A 6’2″ power forward, he could be an interesting fit with Jack Eichel going forward, creating space for the Sabres’ star.
Minnesota did not make the NCAA tournament, as the Gophers season ended with a loss to Michigan in the Big Ten title game. He forgoes his final year of eligibility with the signing.
Here’s the official release from the Sabres.
The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team has signed forward Hudson Fasching to an entry-level contract.
Fasching (6’2″, 216 lbs., 7/28/1995) recently completed his junior season at the University of Minnesota (Big Ten), during which he served as alternate captain and was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team.
“Hudson showed us the kind of player he can be during his college career and we are pleased to sign him,” General Manager Tim Murray said. “We believe he has the potential to be an effective NHL player and wanted to bring him in as soon as possible.”
In 37 games during the 2015-16 season, Fasching registered career-high totals in goals (20), assists (18) and points (38). His 20 goals, including his team-high seven game-winners, tied to lead all Minnesota skaters and his 38 points ranked him second on the team.
Fasching totaled 64 points (32+32) and 40 penalty minutes in 75 games during three seasons with the Golden Gophers. He also represented the United States at the IIHF World Junior Championship in both 2014 and 2015, totaling seven points (3+4) in 10 tournament games.
The Sabres acquired Fasching from the Los Angeles Kings on March 5, 2014 in a trade that also included Nicolas Deslauriers. Originally drafted by Los Angeles in the fourth round (118th overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft, Fasching spent two seasons with the U.S. National Development Team (USHL) prior to his collegiate career, recording 32 points (11+21) in 62 games.