Wild Sign Coyle To Entry Level Deal

The Minnesota Wild inked Saint John Sea Dogs forward Charlie Coyle to a three-year, entry level contract today. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Coyle was traded to the Wild at last June’s National Hockey League Entry Draft. He was originally selected by the San Jose Sharks in the first round, 28^th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft.

The 19-year old recorded three goals and 11 assists in 16 games with Boston University this season before joining the Sea Dogs. He made his way to Saint John after participating in the World Junior Hockey Championships and has had no trouble adjusting to the junior game. He has 12 goals and 12 assists in just 16 games with the Dogs. He’ll remain with Saint John for the rest of season.

Since Coyle’s arrival, the Sea Dogs are 15-1-0-0.

Hockey’s Future named Coyle the Wild’s second best prospect last week behind Mikael Grunland.

“Coyle has the physical gifts that should allow him to transition to professional hockey in the near future,” writes Peter Prohaska. “He can play down the center, using his size and speed to make space for linemates, but he can also use his puck skills to distribute from tight space. He is not an elite finisher, but he scores goals at a decent enough clip. Coyle is very much a work in progress, but it's obvious to see that could be a true force if he puts it all together.”

Fellow Sea Dog and Minnesota prospect Zack Phillips signed an entry level deal with club back in December. The Wild website and the Minnesota Star Tribune both had articles on the two this past week.

The Wild blog Hockey Wilderness has more on the signing.

Coyle turns 20 tomorrow, so this is a nice early birthday gift.

Photo Credit: Marc Henwood/Station Nation