UND Senior Forward Dylan James Signs Two-Year Contract with Detroit Red Wings
UND senior forward Dylan James has signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings. He will join the team's top minor-league affiliate, the Grand Rapids, on a tryout deal for the remainder of this season before his official NHL contract begins next season. James had an impressive senior year at UND, leading the team with 21 goals and totaling 32 points in 40 games, a career best. Detroit selected James in the second round of the 2022 draft and had considered signing him earlier. Despite the opportunity, James decided to return to UND for his senior season, where he served as an assistant captain and helped the team secure the NCHC Penrose Cup and reach the NCAA Frozen Four for the first time in ten years.
Throughout his time at UND, James showed consistent improvement in his point production, increasing from 16 to 19 to 22 to 32 points each year. His success on the ice caught the attention of the Detroit Red Wings, leading to his recent signing. James is now the third player from the 2025-26 UND team to secure an NHL contract, following defensemen Abram Wiebe and Jake Livanavage, who signed after UND's loss in the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals to Wisconsin. Both Wiebe and Livanavage are expected to make their NHL debuts soon after reporting directly to their respective NHL teams. The future looks bright for these talented players as they transition to the professional level and continue to showcase their skills on the ice.