The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team has signed defenseman Casey Nelson to an entry-level contract.

“We’ve been consistently impressed with Casey’s play for the last two years,” General Manager Tim Murray said. “We identified him as one of the top college free agents available and we’re excited to have him join the organization.”

Nelson (6’2”, 182 lbs., 7/18/1992), who recently finished his junior season at Minnesota State University (WCHA), led a Mavericks defense that allowed the fewest shots per game among all NCAA teams this season. His play earned him WCHA Defensive Player of the Year honors and a spot on the All-WCHA First Team.

The Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin native amassed 60 total points (14+46) and a plus-28 rating in 99 games during his collegiate career, leading the team in plus/minus rating and leading Minnesota State defensemen in scoring in both his sophomore and junior seasons.

In 2015-16, Nelson led all Minnesota State defensemen and ranked in the top five in team scoring in goals (6), assists (16) and points (22), and led all Mavericks skaters with a plus-15 rating.