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Sabres land prized Minnesota State d-man Nelson

2015 WCHA Final Five - Championship

ST PAUL, MN - MARCH 21: Casey Nelson #6 of Minnesota State controls the puck against CJ Eick #18 of Michigan Tech during the first period of the 2015 WCHA Final Five hockey championship game on March 21, 2015 at Xcel Energy Center in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

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Buffalo has landed one of the biggest undrafted college free agents on the market -- on Tuesday, the club inked Minnesota State blueliner Casey Nelson to an entry-level contract.

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

Nelson, a 23-year-old junior, was believed to have garnered interest from a number of NHL clubs -- to the point where, after initially leaning towards returning for his senior season, he switched gears and focused on turning pro.

Nelson led all Minnesota State d-men in scoring this season, capturing both WCHA Defensive Player of the Year honors and a spot on the All-WCHA First Team.

It’s been an exciting last 24 hours for Buffalo on the collegiate signing front.

Last night, the club announced talented University of Minnesota forward Hudson Fasching -- acquired from L.A. in the Nicolas Deslauriers-Brayden McNabb trade -- had also decided to forego his senior year, and sign a pro contract.