Boston College star forward Krys Kolanos is closer than ever to leaving school and signing with the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, according to a report in today’s Arizona Republic.
Kolanos, who scored the game winning goal in last spring’s NCAA championship game, has told The Republic that he is “leaning towards turning pro.” The newspaper reports that talks between the team and Kolanos’ family advisor have intensified in the past couple of days, and that a conclusion could be reached within 10 days.
Kolanos was the Coyotes’ first-round pick (19th overall) in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, which was held in his hometown of Calgary. He was part of a record crop of seven college players selected in that year’s first round.
In 41 games last season, Kolanos had 25 goals and 50 points, ranking second on the team behind Brian Gionta. He was fourth in Hockey East scoring with 28 points, behind teammates Gionta and Chuck Kobasew, and Providence’s Devin Rask.
As a freshman, Kolanos recorded 32 points and was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team.
