David Vest
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 8, 2004 12:00 AM
The Coyotes are expected to announce the signing of University of Minnesota junior defenseman Keith Ballard today, according to people within the organization.
Ballard, who could not be reached for comment, was one of 10 finalists for this past season's Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top Division I hockey player.
The Coyotes acquired Ballard's rights from the Colorado Avalanche on March 9 in the trade that also brought defenseman Derek Morris to Phoenix for center Chris Gratton, defenseman Ossi Vaananen and a second-round draft pick in 2005.
Ballard (5 feet 11, 200 pounds), from Baudette, Minn., notched 11 goals and 25 assists in 37 games in his junior season at Minnesota.
He recently helped the U.S. team earn a bronze medal at the IIHF World Championships.