Devils prospect Josh Jacobs is headed to the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League.

Jacobs, New Jersey’s second-round pick in 2014, exits Michigan State after his freshman season. The defenseman collected nine assists in 35 games with the Spartans in 2014-15, earning Big Ten all-freshman team honors.

“Michigan State was a great place to play, but it just wasn’t the right fit for myself,” Jacobs told SarniaSting.com on Monday. "I had an opportunity with the Sarnia Sting here to play in the OHL. Coming to Sarnia now, it’s a great feeling, it’ll be a fun year. I just can’t wait to come in, be a leader, and try to win a championship along with 20 other guys.”



Sarnia finished seventh in the OHL's Western Conference this season and fell to Connor McDavid's Erie Otters in the first round of the playoffs. They hope Jacobs can be a significant blue-line asset going forward.



“We’re, very excited," said Sting general manager Nick Sinclair. "He’s a high-end player that is going to play big minutes for our hockey team. He’s another big piece to the puzzle, as far as rounding out our back end and being a guy that can play in a number of different situations."



Jacobs was selected out of Indiana (USHL), where he posted 38 points (7g-31a) and was plus-31 in 104 games over two seasons.



“I believe I am a two-way defenseman,” the native of Shelby Township, Mich., said. "I like to join the rush if I can, but not let that take away from my defense necessarily. Love to move the puck, use my skating abilities and get pucks through to the net.”



Said Sinclair: "We’ve been trying to show him why the Ontario Hockey League is the best avenue for his professional career and build the relationship with him and his family over the last couple of years. We’re really excited that he’s going to be donning the Sting jersey in the upcoming season.”