May 15, 2008 - 04:06:26 CDT
GRAND FORKS (AP) - T.J. Oshie's welcome to the National Hockey League came from an old friend and soon-to-be foe.Calder Trophy finalist Jonathan Toews sent Oshie, his former University of North Dakota linemate, a text message just before Oshie signed a three-year contract with the St. Louis Blues.
"He told me congratulations and that it's going to be fun," Oshie said. "He's a great guy. We've always been good buddies."
Now they're rivals. Toews plays for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Oshie, who gave up his final year of eligibility at UND, will be paid the maximum entry-level base salary of $850,000 per season. He also gets a signing bonus of $85,000.
The former Warroad, Minn., high school standout and Hobey Baker candidate at UND had rejected an offer last summer from St. Louis, the team that drafted him in the first round and 24th overall in 2005. Oshie said he wanted to further his development at UND and try to win a national title.
The Sioux this past season lost to Boston College in the national semifinals for the third straight year.
"It actually wasn't as easy as you'd think," Oshie said of his decision to go pro. "I was left with another sour taste in my mouth. That made it a lot tougher. The way we went out wasn't pretty. But I felt like it was time for me to move on."
UND coach Dave Hakstol agrees.
"T.J. is ready for this step in his career," Hakstol said. "Getting to the NHL is a big step and nobody takes it for granted, but in my opinion, he's ready for that challenge.
"I think he's one of those special players that only comes around every so often," the coach said. "The level he plays at every single night is something special. You can think to all areas of his game - the highlight hits, the highlight back-checks, the highlight defensive plays and the highlight-reel goals. The energy and passion he plays the game with is special."
Oshie is the first player to leave UND early this offseason. Losing underclassmen is something to which the Fighting Sioux program has become accustomed. In each of the last eight summers, the Sioux have lost at least one player early to the pros.
Toews and defenseman Brian Lee - classmates of Oshie at UND - turned pro last summer.
UND is still awaiting decisions from juniors Taylor Chorney, Ryan Duncan, Joe Finley and Andrew Kozek, all of whom are expected to get interest from NHL teams. Duncan won the Hobey Baker award two seasons ago.
"Every little hockey player dreams of getting to the NHL when they are growing up," Oshie said. "It's an achievement I'd like to make. I know I've got to improve and make sure I have a good summer. Hopefully I'll make the team."
Oshie will spend the summer working out with former UND captain Chris Porter in Faribault, Minn. Porter plays for St. Louis' top minor league club, the Peoria Rivermen.
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