Blackhawks sign NCAA defenseman Michael Paliotta to 2-year deal
Bob DeChiara / USA Today
The Chicago Blackhawks have come to terms with former draft pick Michael Paliotta on a two-year deal.
The team announced the signing Thursday. The 21-year-old would have become a free agent in August had both sides not come to an agreement.
The blue-liner was drafted by the Blackhawks in the third round in 2011 (70th overall) out of the University of Vermont. This season he captured the Old Time Hockey Best Defenseman award.
Paliotta led Vermont with 36 points (nine goals and 27 assists) in 41 games.