First-team all-Big Ten defenseman Jake McCabe will give up his final season at Wisconsin after signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres.

McCabe is expected to join the NHL team and could make his pro debut on Thursday.

A second-round pick of the Sabres in 2012, McCabe was the captain of the gold medal-winning United States team in the 2013 World Junior Championship.

He led Wisconsin defensemen with eight goals and 25 points in 36 games this season.

His departure makes it nine straight seasons that Wisconsin has lost a player to the pros before the end of his eligibility.