By: Kevin Perry | Follow Me on Twitter @Kevperry_
Providence Bruins General Manager Evan Gold announced today that the team has signed undrafted free agent Owen Pederson to a two-year AHL contract. Pederson finished his final season of junior hockey with 32 goals and 42 assists, both career highs, for the Winnipeg Ice after five seasons with the club.
The 6’3″ Alberta native is known for his size and strength below the goal line but ultimately went undrafted in the 2020 NHL Draft after a covid shortened season. He finished that year with 50 points in 61 games.
In five total seasons in the Winnipeg Ice organization, Pederson with 237 games played, scoring 94 goals and 111 assists for 205 points. Most recently, he helped the Ice get to the final of the Western Hockey League playoffs against the Seattle Thunderbirds, who ended up defeating Winnipeg in five games. Pederson had four goals and eight assists in 19 playoff games.
His 2020 Elite Prospects draft guide describes him as this. “Pederson’s strength in battles immediately jumps out. He’s such a strong, aware support player, recognizing opportunities to help out his teammate’s down-low or swoop in for an interception and breakout pass.”
It looked at times when Pederson was a man playing among boys. His size will make him an immediate impact on the Providence Bruins. Although this contract is signed with the Providence Bruins, the Boston Bruins do not own his NHL rights. So if any NHL team would be willing to offer him an NHL contract, then the Bruins would lose his rights. Ultimately this an excellent signing for the Providence Bruins as it fills a need for the team, giving them both size and offensive ability.
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