Trotter Leaves DU For Pro Contract With Canadiens

Ending a period of rampant speculation about his status with the Denver Pioneers, sophomore forward Brock Trotter has signed a three-year free-agent entry-level NHL contract with the Montreal Canadiens, head coach George Gwozdecky announced Thursday.

Terms of Trotter’s three-year deal were not disclosed. Trotter will report to Hamilton of the American Hockey League. He could make his AHL debut as early as Feb. 9.

“We’re really happy for Brock and his opportunity with the Montreal Canadiens,” Gwozdecky said. “Brock accomplished a lot in his three years with our program and we wish him continued success during his professional hockey career.”

Trotter, a native of Brandon, Man., finishes his DU career with 76 points on 32 goals and 44 assists in 69 career games. He leads the No. 7 Pioneers (18-8, 12-6 WCHA) in scoring with 31 points on 13 goals and 18 assists, and is tied for seventh nationally with 1.29 points per game.

He led the 2006-07 Pioneers with 40 points on 16 goals and 24 assists, becoming the first DU freshman to lead the team in scoring since Dave Shields in 1986-87. Trotter tallied five points in 2005-06 before a season-ending Achilles tendon injury for which he received a medical redshirt.