University of Minnesota blueliner Ryan Collins is forgoing his senior season to join the Blue Jackets.
On Wednesday, Columbus announced it had signed Collins to a three-year, entry-level contract, adding that he’ll immediately report to the club’s AHL affiliate in Cleveland.
Collins, 20, scored nine points in 37 games this year, helping the Gophers capture the Big Ten championship. He’s got great size -- 6-foot-5, 205 pounds -- and has international experience, suiting up for the U.S. at the 2015 world juniors.