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Devils’ prospect Josh Jacobs to leave Michigan State

Zach Hyman, Josh Jacobs

Zach Hyman, Josh Jacobs

AP

New Jersey Devils prospect Josh Jacobs has decided to leave Michigan State following his freshman year.

The defenseman will sign with the Ontario Hockey League’s Sarnia Sting. The Sting have a press conference scheduled for Monday morning at which time Jacobs’ signing could be made official.

“I talked to Josh and this is to me absolutely, positively a personal decision,” GM Ray Shero told The Bergen Record. “It was the family’s and Josh’s decision. They met with Michigan State and if that’s what’s best for him, then that’s wonderful for him. I would never be part of that decision.”

Prior to attending university, the 6-foot-2, 193-pound blue liner spent two seasons with the Indian Ice of the USHL.

The 19-year-old had nine assists to go along with 26 penalty minutes and a minus-10 rating in 35 games at Michigan State.

“I’m very thankful to Michigan State University and the hockey community for everything over the past few years and I wish them nothing but the best going forward,” Jacobs said in a release per the Detroit Free Press.

Shero said the club doesn’t have immediate plans to sign Jacobs to an entry-level contract. The Devils would like to see him at the club’s development camp first. New Jersey has until June 1, 2016 to sign Jacobs or he would be eligible to re-enter the draft.

Jacobs was the Devils’ second-round selection (41st overall) at the 2014 NHL Draft.

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