Winterhawks James Stefan Signs NHL Contract with Edmonton Oilers
March 21, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
Portland, Ore. - The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club is proud to announce today that forward James Stefan has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League.
The Laguna Beach, Calif. native put pen to paper with the Oilers as a free agent this week after playing five seasons in the Western Hockey League. Before beginning his professional career, Stefan will remain with the Winterhawks through the remainder of the 2023-24 season and will participate in the 2024 WHL Playoffs.
Stefan, 20, is enjoying an impressive final season with Portland, leading the team with 48 goals in 64 games and amassing a career-best 99 points thus far. He plays a pivotal part on this year's Portland team winning its 15th division title and his 48 goals rank ninth in the Canadian Hockey League this season. Earlier this month, Stefan became the 21st Winterhawk all-time to surpass 250 career WHL points and he is also tied for the franchise lead with four overtime-winning goals.
The 6-foot-0, 185-pound winger has dominated during his time in Portland and has produced at over a point-per-game pace. His 254 career points are the third-most in Winterhawks history among U.S.-born skaters. The former Little Caesars AAA standout originally signed with Portland in November 2018 following his first Winterhawks Neely Cup training camp and broke into the league as a 16-year-old during the 2019-20 season.
Stefan becomes the fourth active Winterhawk with a signed NHL contract, joining Marek Alscher (FLA), Nate Danielson (DET) and Josh Davies (FLA).
Western Hockey League Stories from March 21, 2024
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- Nearing Sellout for Final Game of the Regular Season, Playoff Tickets on Sale Monday - Saskatoon Blades
- Winterhawks James Stefan Signs NHL Contract with Edmonton Oilers - Portland Winterhawks
- Fortin's Positive Outlook Paying Dividends Down the Stretch - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Wild Junior "A" Alumnus Bavaro Earns Pro Chance with Bruins - Wenatchee Wild
- Rockets Announce Team Award Winners - Kelowna Rockets
- Americans Alum Tomas Suchanek Signs with Anaheim Ducks - Tri-City Americans
- Broncos Announce 2023/2024 Team Awards - Swift Current Broncos
- Warriors Travel to Brandon for Final Regular Season Road Game - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Blades Edge Hitmen in Overtime - Calgary Hitmen
- Lisowsky's Overtime Heroics Come Through Again As Blades Take Out Hitmen - Saskatoon Blades
- Broncos Clinch Central Division Crown With Win Over Rebels - Swift Current Broncos
- Raiders Pick Up Massive Two Points In 5-1 Win Over Regina - Prince Albert Raiders
- Tigers Host Rebels in Round One of the 2024 WHL Playoffs. - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Rebels to Open Playoffs Versus Medicine Hat - Red Deer Rebels
- Four-Goal Second Period Sends Victoria Past Wenatchee Wednesday, 7-3 - Wenatchee Wild
- Howe Scores Team Leading 28th in 5-1 Loss in Prince Albert - Regina Pats
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