OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators ( @Senators ) announced today that the club has signed defenceman Christian Wolanin to a two-year entry-level contract. Wolanin will travel to Ottawa and is expected to join the Senators this week.

Wolanin, 23, led the NCAA's University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks in scoring with 35 points, including a career-high 12 goals, in 40 games this season. He became the first defenceman to lead UND in scoring since long-time NHL star James Patrick accomplished the feat in 1982-83 and was named to the all-National Collegiate Hockey Conference team following the completion of the regular season.

"Christian is talented player that has displayed high-end offensive skill from the blueline during his career at the University of North Dakota," said Senators general manager Pierre Dorion. "He made the decision to turn professional and we are happy to have him under contract. Christian will join our team in Ottawa for the remainder of the season, which will present a tremendous opportunity for him to learn and develop."

A 6-1, 192-pound native of Detroit, Wolanin was Ottawa's fourth-round selection (107th overall) in the 2015 NHL Draft. Wolanin's junior collegiate season was ended when the Fighting Hawks were eliminated from playoff contention last weekend.

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