BU's Evan Rodrigues signs with Buffalo Sabres

Boston University senior Evan Rodrigues has signed a two-year entry level contract with the Buffalo Sabres, according to various media reports and confirmed by his agent Brian Bartlett.

The NHL free agent was often under-appreciated this season as he was cast under the very large shadow of Hobey Baker Award winner Jack Eichel. Interestingly enough, the Sabres recently lost out on the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft Lottery. Buffalo will pick second, after Edmonton goes first, and will likely select Eichel.

Only Eichel and Harvard University junior Jimmy Vesey had more points per game this season. Rodrigues, who missed four games during an injury-riddled junior season, had a breakthrough campaign in his final year as a Terrier. The Etobicoke, Ontario native had 21 goals and 40 assists.

Rodrigues has tremendous hockey IQ and has good speed, but his craftiness often went unnoticed. He made several eye-popping moves. Rodrigues performed admirably to start the season on a line with Cason Hohmann and Robbie Baillargeon before being promoted to the top line with Eichel and San Jose Sharks prospect Danny O'Regan.

The Terriers fell short, 4-3, in the national championship game, but it was still a memorable season for Rodrigues. BU won the regular season and tournament titles in Hockey East as well as winning the school's first Beanpot since 2009.

--

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