RALEIGH, N.C. — Blake McLaughlin’s senior season at the University of Minnesota ended with a loss Friday to Minnesota State in the Frozen Four semifinals at Boston’s TD Garden. His professional career will begin soon enough, after the Ducks signed him to a two-year entry-level contract Sunday.
McLaughlin, a 22-year-old left wing, recorded career highs of 13 goals and 20 assists in 39 games this past season at Minnesota. He was Minnesota’s second-leading scorer and was seventh in the Big Ten. Overall, he had 38 goals and 67 assists in 142 games during his career. LaCombe was picked by The Hockey News as one of the Ducks’ top-10 prospects. It’s uncertain whether he will join McLaughlin in signing with the Ducks or return to school next fall for his senior year. Drew Helleson of Boston College and Josh Lopina of UMass also have signed.