The Nashville Predators have signed Frolunda forward Max Gortz to a three-year entry-level contract.
Gortz, 21, was Nashville’s eighth choice (sixth round, 172nd overall) in the 2012 NHL Draft.
Despite only posting six points in 18 games for Frolunda during the regular season, he ended up leading the team in goals (3) and points (5) during the SHL playoffs.
The Preds are expected to announce another signing later today, according to Kevin Wilson’s team-affiliated Twitter account.
The official press release is below.
Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed 2012 sixth-round pick Max Gortz (MAX GOHRTS) to a three-year entry-level contract.
Gortz, 21 (1/28/93), started the 2013-14 season with Farjestad (SHL), before transferring to Frolunda (SHL) on Dec. 9, 2013. The Hoor, Sweden native led Frolunda – and tied for third among all skaters in the 2014 SHL Quarterfinals – in points (5) and goals (3). The 6-3, 200-pound right winger has 70 points (37g-33a) in 106 career Swedish junior league games with Malmo and Farjestad, and 30 points (19g-11a) in 108 SHL games with Farjestad and Frolunda, while posting seven points (3g-4a) in 18 career SHL postseason contests, and 14 points (8g-6a) in 15 career Swedish junior league playoff games.
Nashville’s eighth choice, 172nd overall (sixth round), in the 2012 Entry Draft, Gortz helped Sweden win the 2012 Under-20 Four-Nations Tournament, tying for the team lead in points (1g-2a-3pts), and earned a bronze medal at the 2010 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. He is on Twitter @maxgrtz.
PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Fuqua (used with permission)