Penn State men’s hockey forward Evan Barratt to forgo senior season, signs NHL contract
Another Penn State player is heading to the NHL.
The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Thursday that they have signed forward Evan Barratt to a three-year entry level contract.
Barratt will be forgoing his senior year of eligibility at Penn State.
“I absolutely loved watching Barry play and practice over the past three seasons, he just loves playing the game and loves to score and he figures out some pretty amazing and inventive ways to do so,” head coach Guy Gadowsky said in a statement. “We are very proud of Evan and can’t wait to see him spin his magic in a Blackhawks uniform.”
The Bristol, Pennsylvania, native was selected by the Blackhawks in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft.
Barratt had 34 points this season for Penn State, following his 43 points in the 2018-19 season, which earned him First-Team All-Big Ten honors.
Barratt finishes his Penn State career with 94 points, including 38 goals in 96 games.
Barratt also competed for Team USA at the 2019 World Junior Championships, where he had one goal in seven games as Team USA took home the silver medal.
Nate Sucese and Brandon Biro previously inked NHL deals this off-season, Biro with the Buffalo Sabres and Sucese with the Arizona Coyotes.
Barratt is the seventh Nittany Lions to sign an NHL contract, joining Biro, Sucese, Andrew Sturtz, Casey Bailey, Eamon McAdam and Vince Pedrie.
Liam Folkes also signed an AHL contract with the Bakersfield Condors, the Edmonton Oilers affiliate, this off-season.
“From the moment I stepped foot on campus as a freshman, I knew this place was special. Hockey as well as playing at Pegula Ice Arena are one thing, but the people I came in contact with and the teammates I’ve had is what truly made this place so special,” Barratt said in a statement. “Everything I’ve experienced as a student-athlete has prepared me to be able to make this jump and I am forever grateful for my time at Penn State.”
