Anaheim Ducks Sign NCAA Champion as Undrafted Free Agent

After leading Western Michigan to the NCAA championship, team captain Tim Washe became a highly-sought-after undrafted free agent. The Anaheim Ducks have won the race to sign him.

Kalamazoo ➡️ OC

We've signed NCAA National Champion Tim Washe to an entry-level contract!@WMUHockey | @Opendoor https://t.co/jKb7FAV7fG
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) April 14, 2025

It's a one-year entry-level contract for Washe, after the 23-year-old center, and leader of the Broncos, led the NCHC team to its first-ever national title.

Washe had a breakout season in 2024-25 at WMU, scoring more goals (16) and points (38) than he had in his first four years there combined. He recorded a plus/minus rating of +22.

He's also a tremendous faceoff man, winning 59.3% of his draws over his five-year run, and leading the nation this season at 63.1%. That, amongst all his other skills, will really help the Ducks, who have been the league’s worst faceoff team all season.

Washe received interest from a number of NHL teams, per The Athletic.

As a 200-foot player, “He’s the most reliable (center) in college hockey back there,” WMU teammate Alex Bump said. “That’s what I admire about his game.”

“He’s a solid two-way player,” Broncos goalie Hampton Slukynsky added. “I love when he’s on the ice in the D-zone. I know he’ll help us back there — keep things under control.”

And then there's his physicality. "He’s 6'3", 215 pounds, chiseled out of a piece of granite," marveled his head coach Pat Ferschweiler. "And at times, he’s got to control himself so he doesn’t just destroy people out there.”

The Ducks are getting a nice piece, and he is likely to make his NHL debut as soon as Tuesday in Minnesota.