Today the Columbus Blue Jackets announced they signed defenseman Ryan Collins of University of Minnesota to a three-year Entry Level contract. According to the Blue Jackets, Collins will join the Monsters before their game on Friday against the Milwaukee Admirals.
The Blue Jackets drafted Collins in the second round of the 2014 NHL Draft.
After being drafted, Collins went to the University of Minnesota where he played for three seasons. In 98 games with the Golden Gophers, he notched 22 points in the form of four goals and 18 assists. Collins also finished with a +15 rating.
The University of Minnesota won three consecutive Big Ten Championships while Collins was on the team.
At 6’5” and 220 pounds, Collins will be a nice fit on the back line. Since being drafted by the Jackets, his agility and speed have improved immensely. Collins is another player who can lay quick, clean, hard hits on the opposition.