Tyler Kelleher, the New Hampshire senior that finished tied as the top scorer in college hockey, has caught on with Nashville’s AHL affiliate in Milwaukee, the club announced on Friday.
Kelleher, 22, scored a whopping 63 points in 40 games this year and was named a Hobey Baker finalist earlier this week. There were earlier rumors he would sign a pro contract with New Jersey, so it was a bit surprising to learn he’d inked with an American League team (and through ‘2017-18, as well).
Of course, Kelleher’s size may have played a role. Listed at just 5-foot-6 and 154 pounds, Kelleher may need to go the AHL route to prove his collegiate success can translate to the professional level.