GUELPH—Michael Buchinger, who was born in Markham but is from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, has been signed to a three-year entry level contract with the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League (NHL).
“The St. Louis Blues president of hockey operations and general manager Doug Armstrong announced on March 1 that the team has signed defenceman Michael Buchinger to a three-year entry-level contract,” a release states.
Mr. Buchinger, at 18 years old, was drafted by the Blues in the third round (number 88 overall) in the 2022 NHL draft. “This season he has dressed in 51 games with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Guelph Storm, ranking second on the team and fourth amongst league defenceman overall with 55 points (12 goals, 43 assists).”
“In 2021-2022, his first in the OHL the six-foot, 185 pound defenceman collected 44 points (five goals, 39 assists) in 63 regular season games for the Storm, earning a selection to the OHL’s first all-rookie team,” the Storm release noted.
“This season, Buchinger has continued to see consistent time with Cam Allen on the Storm’s top pairing. The Blues prospect is known for his ability to be a complementary defenseman. He is the type of player that is able to play well away from the puck and has a keen eye for when to play a conservate game and when to be aggressive and attack. His next challenge will be working his way to the pro-level. He still has plenty of growing and maturing to do before being considered for a spot in the NHL,” the release continues. “Any decision regarding his future in hockey’s highest level will still be a few years away due to the CHL-AHL Transfer agreement. As Buchinger will have not turned 20 by the start of next season or have completed four full junior hockey seasons, he is destined for another year in the juniors.”
