Predators sign Matthew Wood to entry-level contract

The Nashville Predators signed top forward prospect Matthew Wood to three-year, entry-level contract beginning this season, the team announced Saturday.

He will report to the team in the coming days. The Predators have 10 games remaining on their schedule and will play the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday before heading to Philadelphia for a clash against the Flyers on Monday.

Wood just completed his third year at the college level and first with the University of Minnesota after spending his first two seasons at the University of Connecticut.

He finished this campaign with 17 goals and tied for the second-most points on the Golden Gophers (39) in 39 contests. Minnesota lost to Massachusetts-Amherst in the regional semifinal Thursday, ending its NCAA tourney.

The 20-year-old totaled 21 goals and 52 points in 55 games with Connecticut.

Nashville selected the 6-foot-4, 205-pound winger with the 15th overall pick at the 2023 NHL Draft.

Wood represented Canada at the 2024 world juniors, logging two goals and four points in five games en route to a fifth-place finish.

The Predators failed abysmally to meet expectations this season, entering Saturday's action in 30th with a 27-37-8 record. The club has already been eliminated from playoff contention.

Wood is one of four key players to turn pro from Minnesota recently. Jimmy Snuggerud signed with the St. Louis Blues on Friday, while Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel put pen to paper with the Chicago Blackhawks earlier Saturday.