North Dakota d-men Jake Livanavage (Pittsburgh) and Abram Wiebe (Calgary) have signed 2-year entry-level contracts with their respective NHL clubs, each beginning this season. Livanavage’s contract carries with it an annual cap hit of $975,000, and Wiebe’s contract is at $950,000. The signings come less than 24 hours after UND’s 2-1 defeat by Wisconsin in the NCAA tournament.
An undrafted free agent, the slightly undersized but skilled Livanavage registered 25 points (5G 20G) in 39 games this season. Also, Livanavage averaged 24 minutes of ice time per night, and was nominated by the NCHC for Defensive Defenseman of the Year.
Wiebe was taken by the Flames in the 7th round of the 2023 draft, and likewise excels on both O and D. He tallied 29 points (5G 24A) in 40 games this season, and was named the NCHC D-man of the Month for February.