Colorado College's Jaccob Slavin signs with Carolina

Colorado College defenseman Jaccob Slavin will forego his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility. The 21 year-old has signed a three year entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.

"Improving our prospect depth at defense is a priority for our organization, and we felt that it was important for Jaccob to begin his professional career," said Hurricanes GM Ron Francis. "He really improved his game during the second half of last season and we look forward to monitoring his development."

He had previously stated in April that he would return to CC for his junior season after Carolina tried to sign Slavin. According to the release, the Erie, CO native will receive a $277K signing bonus and $832,000 if he plays in the NHL.

Slavin was one of the few bright spots for the Tigers the past two seasons, working his way onto the 2014 United States World Junior team. A big (6'3", 200 lbs) and mobile defenseman, Slavin had 17 points (5G-12A) in 34 games this year. That total was good for fourth on the team as CC, which won seven games in 2013-14, went 6-26-3 and finished last in the NCHC.

This is the second straight offseason the Tigers have lost a top underclassmen defenseman to the pros. Gustav Olofsson signed with the Minnesota Wild soon after his 2013-14 freshman season.

Slavin is a fourth round pick of the Hurricanes in the 2012 NHL Draft.