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Avalanche sign Michigan star Compher

JT Compher

Michigan center JT Compher (7) shoots the puck in front of Minnesota’s Jake Bischoff (28) during the third period of an NCAA college hockey game at the Yost Ice Arena, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (Junfu Han/The Ann Arbor News via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL INTERNET OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT

AP

Another big name is leaving the University of Michigan early. The Colorado Avalanche announced today that they’d signed 21-year-old winger J.T. Compher to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Compher was drafted 35th overall by the Sabres in 2013. He was dealt to Colorado last year as part of the Ryan O’Reilly trade.

It’s an important signing for the Avs. If Compher had returned to Michigan for his senior year, he could’ve pursued free agency next summer.

Meanwhile, it’s another significant loss for the Wolverines. Compher joins Kyle Connor, Zach Werenski, Michael Downing, and Tyler Motte on the list of Michigan stars who’ve left school early to go pro.

Comper, Connor and Motte were all among the 10 finalists for the 2016 Hobey Baker Award.

Related: Kyle Connor turns pro