Former Blizzard, NAHL defenseman LaDue signs NHL deal

April 29, 2016

Former NAHL and Alexandria (Brookings) Blizzard defenseman Paul LaDue has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings. 

 

LaDue, who just completed his junior season playing for the NCAA Champion University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks, gave his final year of college eligibility. LaDue was a sixth-round draft pick of the Kings in 2012 and they have been pursuing him for two years.

 

The Grand Forks, North Dakota native was a standout defenseman for three years for UND, playing a shutdown style defensively, while adding some points offensively. He finished this season with five goals and 19 points.

 

LaDue had the option of becoming a free agent and choosing his team this summer because he was four years removed from his draft year, but he opted to stick with the team that picked him in 2012. The Kings flew assistant general manager Rob Blake to Grand Forks to try to sign LaDue, but the defender opted to stay. He ended up being a big piece to UND's national championship run.

 

In his three year NCAA career, LaDue played in 123 career games and recorded 62 points. He was also an assistant captain for the National Champions this past season.

 

LaDue played in the NAHL during the 2010-11 season for the Alexandria Blizzard (now Brookings Blizzard). He was named to the NAHL All-Rookie 2nd Team that season, recording 22 points in 56 games played and recording two points in three playoff games.

 

LaDue played in the 2010 NAPHL Top Prospects Tournament that season, which was held in Boston, playing for Team Weight and recording one point and a +8 rating in three games.