The Minnesota Gopher Hockey team lost its first player with remaining eligibility to professional hockey on Wednesday when junior defenseman Ryan Collins signed a three year entry level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Collins will report to the Blue Jacket’s AHL affiliate the Cleveland Monsters for the remainder of the season.
Collins was the second round draft pick of the Blue Jackets in 2014. He leaves the Gophers after three seasons where he recorded four goals and 18 assists for 22 points with 77 penalty minutes and a cumulative +15 plus/minus rating in 98 career games.