Silvertips’ Zellweger signs entry-level deal with Ducks

Published 1:30 am Friday, August 13, 2021

EVERETT — The Anaheim Ducks wasted little time getting Olen Zellweger locked up.

The Everett Silvertips defenseman, who was a second-round pick in last month’s NHL draft, signed a three-year entry-level contract with Anaheim, the Ducks announced Friday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Anaheim controlled Zellweger’s rights for up to two years before having to sign him, so the quick signing is an indication of how highly he’s regarded by the organization. The signing does not change the fact that Zellweger is expected to spend the next two seasons playing for Everett.

Zellweger, who’s heading into his 18-year-old season, was selected 34th overall by Anaheim. The 5-foot-10, 174-pound native of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, is coming off as season in which he tallied two goals and 11 assists in 11 games with the Tips. He also starred for Canada at the U-18 World Championships, notching a goal and seven assists in seven games as the Canadians captured the gold medal.

Zellweger was one of three draft picks signed by the Ducks, along with first rounder Mason McTavish and third rounder Sasha Patsujov.