LAS VEGAS, Nev. — A third Fighting Hawk turned pro this afternoon. Dylan James signed with the Detroit Red Wings on a two-year, entry-level contract.
James will report to the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL), where he will play on an Amateur Tryout Agreement (ATO) for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. He will join the Red Wings at the start of the 2026-27 season.
His two-year contract will run through the 2027-28 season and carries a $1.05 million AAV with an identical cap hit. In the first year of his contract, James will receive just over $1.1 million, after signing bonuses (per Blake Robson/X).
The 2025-26 North Dakota assistant captain was selected 40th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft and spent four seasons in Grand Forks, making 137 appearances (49-30—79) as a Fighting Hawk.
In all four years at UND, James was named an NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete, maintaining an impressive 3.89 GPA while majoring in kinesiology and minoring in communications.
This season, James contributed 32 points (21-11—32), leading the team in goals scored. The forward was named to the regional all-tournament team, scoring two goals to help the Hawks to their first regional championship since 2016.
Dylan James will be the 115th UND alumnus to play in the NHL if Jake Livanavage makes his debut this season.
Anthony Dillett is a Dakota Student Sports Reporter. He can be reached at [email protected] and on X @adillettgf.