The QMJHL and Memorial Cup runner-up (to fellow Islanders prospect Noah Dobson, in both finals) would have re-entered the NHL Draft next month if he and the New York Islanders hadn’t agreed to terms on an entry level contract by the end of today.
Instead, the Islanders avoided some mild embarrassment — and if he’d re-entered, there’s no telling the 2017 6th-round pick (165th) would’ve landed in a better situation, though likely a higher draft position — and announced Durandeau’s signing today.
The team also announced the re-signing of Tanner Fritz, a nice roster depth forward who had his season cut short just when he was filling in for an injured Valtteri Filppula.