The Chicago Steel announced Tuesday that forward James Scantlebury has signed a USHL tender agreement for the 2025-26 season. The 16-year-old forward played in the QMJHL Cup this past weekend, finishing sixth in tournament scoring with three goals and three assists in four games.
"I fell in love with the Chicago Steel, their culture, and how they develop players, as well as with the coaching staff and what they have to offer," Scantlebury said in a Steel news release. "I am very excited to get started with the Steel and look forward to winning games and competing for the Clark Cup. I know that Chicago is the perfect fit for me to continue my development.
"Playing in the USHL at 16 years old was always a dream for me and I'm so grateful for this opportunity. I am honoured to follow in the footsteps of all the great players who have played in Chicago."
What exactly is a USHL tender agreement? From the release:
Scantlebury's signing will take the place of Chicago's Round 1 pick in the Phase I Draft. Tendered players are required to play in 55 percent of a team's games during the regular season, notwithstanding injury, illness or suspension.
The Montreal native recorded 35 goals and 65 assists in 56 games with the Bishop Kearney Selects under-16 team this past season. He also posted a goal and five assists in eight games with the US prep school's under-18 team.
Defenseman Cameron Chartrand, who will be joining the Sea Dogs this fall, also spent this past season with the Bishop Kearney Selects under-16 squad.
Many in the scouting community consider Scantlebury to be the best player available in this year's QMJHL Entry Draft – but this signing potentially throws a curve into that. The Saint John Sea Dogs currently own the first overall pick after winning last week's draft lottery.
It certainly sounds like Scantlebury intends to play in the USHL this coming season, but we have seen players sign in the QMJHL even after signing a tender agreement south of the border. We'll see what happens here, but the Sea Dogs may not want to take this gamble with the first overall pick.
Losing Scantlebury to the USHL would be a major blow to the QMJHL given the hope that these situations would start to disappear now that CHL players will be eligible to play NCAA hockey.
This year's QMJHL Entry Draft takes place June 6-7 in Quebec City.
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