(SAN DIEGO, CA – September 13, 2019) – The San Diego Seals announced today that the team has agreed to terms with star forward Austin Staats on a three-year deal, pending league approval.

“It’s a very exciting day for our organization and for the fans to have Austin locked up for the next three years,” said general manager and head coach Patrick Merrill. “He proved to be one of the best young players in the game last year and we know the best is still yet to come for him. He loves the city of San Diego and takes great pride in being a Seal.”

Staats was the first overall pick in the 2018 NLL Entry Draft. He finished his rookie season with 32 goals and 61 points in 14 games played. He led all rookies in goals and points and ranked second in assists despite missing the final four games with an ACL injury. Staats was named the 2018-19 NLL Rookie of the Year and was named to the NLL All-Rookie Team.

“Becoming an NLL player was a dream come true and I never could have imagined what it would be like to play in a place like San Diego,” said Staats. “I’ve made this my home and I’m thrilled to be here for three more years and continue to be a part of this community.”

The lefty led the team in points eleven weeks in a row to open his rookie year. In 14 games played, Staats notched five hat tricks and recorded seven games with five or more points. He was named NLL Rookie of the Week four times and was the only rookie to earn NLL Player of the Week honors after netting five goals and four assists in his NLL debut.

The Seals return for their second season in December at Pechanga Arena San Diego. Place your season ticket membership deposit today at SealsLax.com.