Former first-round pick forced to settle for AHL contract for 2024-25 season

The National Hockey League's free agency period has been open for six weeks now and there are still a number of well-known names available. But for one former first-round pick, he's had to sign an AHL contract for the 2024-25 season, likely because NHL deals weren't coming his way.

The San Jose Barracuda, American Hockey League affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, announced on Tuesday that they've agreed to terms on a one-year deal with 2015 first-round pick Colin White.

Barracuda General Manager Joe Will says he's happy to have Colin White aboard, saying that he'll bring plenty of experience to the roster and provides them with depth down the middle.

White, 27, spent the 2023-24 season split between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, the latter of whom claimed him off waivers in late-February. In 28 games in the NHL last season, White failed to register any points, adding four penalty minutes and was a minus-five.

The Boston native also played in the American Hockey League last season for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pittsburgh's affiliate, registering ten points in 21 games.

If Colin White is able to play well to start the 2024-25 campaign with the Barracuda, it wouldn't be shocking to see him earn an NHL contract to join the rebuilding Sharks, much like Justin Bailey did last year.

Source: San Jose Barracuda
SAN JOSE BARRACUDA SIGN FORWARD COLIN WHITE