On Friday, the Nashville Predators announced they have signed forward Austin Roest to a three-year, entry-level contract. Roest, who was drafted 175th overall at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft by Nashville, has scored 31 goals and 59 points in 54 games for the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Everett Silvertips this season.

Serving as the Silvertips’ captain, Roest has excelled in all situations for the club, which currently sits third in the WHL’s Western Conference standings. Although undersized, his game is defined by his quickness, scoring prowess, power-play skills, and defensive responsibility.

28 of Roest’s 59 points have been primary ones scored at even strength, and he sits top-20 in the WHL with 210 shots on goal to date. He’s scored an impressive 2.15 goals per 60 minutes and has notched a primary point on 47.5 percent of the even-strength goals he’s been on the ice for.

Roest’s three-year deal begins in the 2024-25 season when he will be eligible to play in the American Hockey League (AHL).