Sabres sign NCAA defenseman Casey Nelson to entry-level contract

The Buffalo Sabres have dipped into the college ranks to add a young defenseman.

Defenseman Casey Nelson of Minnesota State University has been signed to an entry-level contract, general manager Tim Murray announced.

"We've been consistently impressed with Casey's play for the last two years," Murray said. "We identified him as one of the top college free agents available and we're excited to have him join the organization."

Nelson recorded six goals and 16 assists in 40 games for Minnesota State this season and was named the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's defenseman of the year.