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bana · 09-29-2018, 06:53 PM

It's official! The SMJHL officially announced and stated that newcomers including Japan's very own Hiro Fujikawa are available to be signed by any of the following SMJHL teams and the only conditioning being that they have to wait until tomorrow to sign a contract in order to give every team a chance. Currently, it's reported that there are offers out their for the sniping right winger and the frontrunner at the moment seemingly could be Montreal. Reports have noted that management approached him with an offer in the 2-3M range and claimed that a top player had been moved so there was a strong potential that he'd be in their top 9 for forwards. During talks, someone close to Fujikawa told SMJHL news that Fuji was only looking for specific things and the biggest one was somewhere to call home. He asked what his role would be, knowing that it wouldn't be anything huge at the moment and what the team was looking at for the future. Mostly, in that future, is if he'd be a part of it.

Thus, we caught up with the youngster who just landed in North America the other night from a flight from his homeland. He lands just in time for the announcement of eligibility to sign onto a team and that he will be good to go for the SMJHL upcoming draft. Now, for his quick Q and A's.

1. How many teams have contacted you at the moment?
This is something, at this time, that we would not like to disclose. The importance behind this question is extremely minimal and the amount should not matter. Every team has a fair shot at Hiro Fujikawa and he's opened to listening and giving every organization the opportunity to earn his services. He's extremely excited and willing to speak to each team if they are willing to reciprocate.

2. Hmm. Well.. Montreal has been rumoured to be the frontrunner. Care to explain?
Throughout my agencies time, they have had a long time running with the Vancouver Whalers. While this has always been thing, it would be nice for it not to be a thing anymore. Try something new, get some new experiences and venture off. You can't always be about the same old same - that's how things get stale and that's when inconsistency and such can form. I'm not saying I'm not opened to Vancouver. I'm open to everywhere and as I stated prior, I'm willing to speak to each GM to get to know them, them get to know me and myself learn about their team, desire and systems.

For Montreal, they were the first team to approach me. I've spoke with management and they seem to be a very nice group over in Montreal. The dollar amount is more than generous for the amount of hockey left to play which is important to me this young in my career seeing as I've been busting my nuts trying to make some extra money in my career. Probably the last reason is because I've had a player play their once - and it's much different than ending up on Vancouver with like 3 different players. My time was short in Montreal the last go around but management was amazing, gave me a chance and for that, I love the organization and am willing to call it home.

3. Sounds like your mind is already made up?
It may sound that way, but that accusation or opinion is false. I encourage every GM, if they wish, to get in contact with me as soon as possible. Let's talk details, team, me and you and the future. Ideally, I want to be drafted by the team I sign with. That would be really nice as I'm going there for a reason and they're likely signing me at the moment for a reason. But, no. I do encourage every team if they want to speak to me. I'm excited throughout this entire process and am doing everything in my power to be the best player and to raise my stock in order to be the strongest player for whichever teams draft me in the SMJHL and SHL.

With the decision amount dwindling and is under 24 hours, it will be interesting to see how this plays out. While numerous other teams can hop on the Fuji boat, experts have noted that Montreal does have the step up on those organizations at the moment. Curiosity looms, but we're anticipating at least a few more offers to come his way as he truly his putting on a show with recent activity and efforts.

THANKS Smile