The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed Zach Werenski to an entry-level deal, the team announced Tuesday.
The Blue Jackets selected the defenceman with the eighth overall pick in the 2015 draft.
The three-year deal will begin with the 2016-17 season.
Werenski, 18, is expected to make his AHL debut Friday with Columbus’ AHL affiliate Lake Erie Monsters, with whom he signed a tryout contract earlier Tuesday. The team expects him to stick with the club for the remainder of the season and the playoffs.
This season’s Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year just completed his sophomore campaign with the University of Michigan, totalling 11 goals and 25 assists in 36 games with the Wolverines to lead all Big Ten defencemen in scoring this year.
He also captained Team USA at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championships, winning bronze.
March 29, 2016