Buffalo has landed one of the biggest undrafted college free agents on the market -- on Tuesday, the club inked Minnesota State blueliner Casey Nelson to an entry-level contract.
“We’ve been consistently impressed with Casey’s play for the last two years,” Sabres GM Tim Murray said in a statement. “We identified him as one of the top college free agents available and we’re excited to have him join the organization.”
Nelson, a 23-year-old junior, was believed to have garnered interest from a number of NHL clubs -- to the point where, after initially leaning towards returning for his senior season, he switched gears and focused on turning pro.
Nelson led all Minnesota State d-men in scoring this season, capturing both WCHA Defensive Player of the Year honors and a spot on the All-WCHA First Team.
It’s been an exciting last 24 hours for Buffalo on the collegiate signing front.
Last night, the club announced talented University of Minnesota forward Hudson Fasching -- acquired from L.A. in the Nicolas Deslauriers-Brayden McNabb trade -- had also decided to forego his senior year, and sign a pro contract.
