Hamilton's Spencer Abbott - Hobey Baker favourite and Maine star forward - has just signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Sounds to me like it's done or nearly done.
So who's on first Spencer Abbott? He's the recently eliminated University of Maine's Hobey Baker finalist. At just 5'9", he's not the biggest fella, but he put up 21g and 41a for 62pts (1.58ppg) in just 39 games this season for the Black Bears. For a comparison, Tyler Bozak put up 24pts in 19 games (1.26ppg) in his senior season with the University of Denver. Granted, Abbott is already 24 (in a month) and Bozak was 22 that year.
Author's Note: What are the NHL equivalencies for 24 and 22 year old NCAA players?
There's not a lot of info on Mr. Abbott at the moment, except that he's coming off of a concussion that saw him miss the Hockey East Finals, so we'll give you more as it comes about. In the meantime we have:
His University of Maine bio page with video highlights.
His 'Spencer Abbott for the Hobey Baker' Facebook Page.
And the Hobey Baker Announcement page listing him as a finalist.
An excerpt:
Heading into conference tournaments, Abbott leads the nation in scoring with 59 points in 37 games on 20 goals and 39 assists. A finalist for several league awards including Hockey East Player of the Year, he has twice been player of the month. Maine has had one of the top power plays in the nation and Abbott is a key component.
* Led Hockey East in conference points – 3 Black Bears in top 3 conference scoring
* Family Relations major – Dean’s List three times
* Active in team community service activities – has 17 multiple point games
Way better than Brian Burke's last college UFA signing amiright?
Hey Abbott!! (via PeetrW)