Scott Wilson signs with Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed UMass Lowell junior forward Scott Wilson to a two-year entry-level contract. The Oakville, Ontario native was a seventh round selection of the Penguins in the 2011 NHL Draft. Wilson is forgoing his final year of eligibility to sign with an NHL organization.

Wilson's junior season was a challenge due to several nagging injuries, including one that kept him out for eight games in the second half. He finished the season with seven goals and 12 assists in 31 games played.

The River Hawks were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament on Sunday with a 4-3 loss to No. 1 Boston College in the Northeast Regional Final.

When Wilson is healthy, he has an amazingly quick release to go along with his accurate shot. He's also got above average hockey smarts when he's on the ice. Wilson finishes his UML career with 39 goals and 56 assists in 109 games.

Wilson is the second UMass Lowell underclassmen to leave since the season ended on Sunday. Sophomore Christian Folin also bolted for the NHL, signing with the Minnesota Wild. Folin, a Gothenburg, Sweden native, was one of the most coveted college free agents on the market.

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.