Austin Czarnik Signs with Boston Bruins

Miami University senior forward Austin Czarnik has signed an NHL free agent entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins.

TSN's Bob McKenzie was the first to report the Bruins' significant interest in the five-foot-nine right-shot center. The Bruins were one of several teams hotly pursuing Czarnik.

A native of Washington, Mich., Czarnik played for the US NTDP and Green Bay Gamblers before matriculating to play for Rico Blasi and the RedHawks. Always known for his offensive skill, he went undrafted as many teams had concerns about his small stature. He's a set up guy who has good vision and can find teammates all over the ice.

Czarnik had nine goals and 36 assists in 40 games played this season for Miami, a team that earned the No. 1 seed in the East Region before being upset by Providence College in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The RedHawks were the NCHC Tournament Champion.

A Hobey Baker Award finalist in 2013, Czarnik was also the CCHA Player of the Year that season as a sophomore. He earned All-NCHC First Team accolades as a junior in 2013-14 and was named to the second team this season. He finishes his collegiate career with 46 goals and 123 assists for 169 points in 159 games played.

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