Los Angeles Kings Sign St. Cloud Senior Nic Dowd

Two days after his collegiate career came to an end with an emotional 4-0 loss to Minnesota in the NCAA West regional final, St. Cloud State senior forward and Hobey Baker finalist Nic Dowd has signed an entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings.

Dowd was a 7th round draft pick of the Kings(198th overall), but the 6'2" 196 lbs. center blossomed over his four years at St. Cloud. After an outstanding junior season in 2012-2013 in which he scored 39 points in helping lead St. Cloud to their first ever Frozen Four, Dowd had an opportunity to sign with the Kings, but chose to remain at St. Cloud for his senior season, where, as a senior captain, he helped lead St. Cloud to a second straight regular-season league title while scoring 40 points, and becoming a finalist for college hockey's top honor, the Hobey Baker.

We at SBN College Hockey had Dowd ranked as the 15th best NHL prospect in the NCAA this year. Here's what we had to say about him:

15. Nic Dowd, Forward, St. Cloud State (Los Angeles Kings)

Dowd is underappreciated and overlooked by many, but he’s one of the most complete players in college hockey. He’s playing center at St. Cloud, though likely projects as a wing in the NHL. He mixes a powerful game, grinding along the boards and playing tough defense, with the skill to score goals and effectively set-up teammates.