Sasha Pastujov Signs with Anaheim Ducks

Sasha Pastujov, the leading scorer off of last year’s NTDP U18 team, was slated to play for Notre Dame for this season. But after being selected in the third round of this summer’s NHL Draft by the Anaheim Ducks, Pastujov has chosen to sign with the Ducks, ending his collegiate eligibility.

Because he was drafted out of the NTDP, Pastujov would be eligible to play in the AHL this season, should he not make the Ducks roster, but he will most likely be assigned to the OHL, where the Guelph Storm hold his rights.

Pastujov is a skilled offensive player. He led the NTDP U18s in both goals(30) and assists(35) and specialized in playing with the man advantage. Some outlets projected Pastujov as a potential first round draft pick, but concerns about his skating and play at even strength led to him falling into the third round of the draft.

The loss of Pastujov is a big blow to Notre Dame’s offense. The Fighting Irish finished 26th nationally last season with 2.90 goals per game and will need to replace the output of leading scorer Alex Steeves, who signed a free agent contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs this past spring.