The Calgary Flames appear to be the frontrunner to land UND senior captain Colton Poolman, an undrafted free agent defenseman.
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Report: Flames the front-runner for college star Colton Poolman
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According to Grand Forks hockey reporter Brad Elliott Schlossman, the Calgary Flames are the front-runners to land college free agent defenseman Colton Poolman. In the event he signs, it would be a one-year entry-level deal (due to his age).
Poolman, 24, is the younger brother of Winnipeg Jets blueliner Tucker Poolman. The younger Poolman is a left shooting defender listed as 6’1″ and 195 pounds. He just finished his senior year with the University of North Dakota, where he served as captain. (As you can imagine, he’s a bit of a late-bloomer.)
Poolman’s offense hasn’t jumped off the page during his college career – his peak was 29 points in 40 games during his sophomore season – but he’s been a consistent two-way presence that UND’s coaching staff could throw onto the ice in virtually every situation and get good minutes, and could be relied upon to play a smart, responsible game.
UND is now 12-1-2 to start the year. Freshman Shane Pinto (OTT) makes plays and is a handful in the offensive zone due to his strength and quick shot. Senior captain Colton Poolman (UFA) should continue to garner NHL interest as a workhorse with solid two-way abilities.
COLTON POOLMAN 2️⃣❎ Captain 3️⃣❎ Honorable Mention All-NCHC 4️⃣❎ NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete 1️⃣8️⃣🚨 & 5️⃣7️⃣🍎 (career) 1️⃣4️⃣6️⃣ career GP 📚 Biology major 🏡 East Grand Forks, Minn. Thank you, @colt_pools6!
Poolman was named a finalist earlier this week for the NCHC’s awards for the Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year and Defensive Defenseman of the Year. That probably tells you everything you know about why the Flames would want him.
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