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Jordan Schmaltz and Michael Parks Returning to North Dakota

North Dakota announces two key pieces to their team won't be signing with the pros this summer.

By Chris Dilks
Matt Dewkett

University of North Dakota sports information director Jayson Hajdu tweeted out today that junior forward Michael Parks and sophomore defenseman Jordan Schmaltz both plan to return to the school next year rather than signing with their respective NHL clubs.

Parks is a former fifth round draft choice of the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010. He was second on North Dakota's team in scoring this past season with 12 goals and 18 assists in 40 games.

Schmaltz was a first round selection of the St. Louis Blues in 2012. He scored 6 goals and 18 assists for North Dakota this season, and was ranked 5th overall on our list of Top NHL Prospects in the NCAA.

Schmaltz's return is double good news for North Dakota, as it would seem to provide extra incentive for Jordan's brother, Nick Schmaltz, to play for North Dakota next season. Schmaltz is expected to be a late-first round draft choice in this year's NHL Draft, and will be heavily courted by Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League to give up his college eligibility.