Corey Tropp has signed with the Buffalo Sabres, forgoing his final season at Michigan State.
Tropp, who led the Spartans with 20 goals and 42 points in 37 games last season, is the third player this offseason to leave the team with eligibility remaining.
Jeff Petry and Andrew Rowe also signed pro contracts.
Related link: Early departures in 2010 offseason
“Obviously, we are going to miss a player of Corey’s caliber in the lineup,” Michigan State coach Rick Comley said in a statement. “This, though, is the reality of college hockey — good players are leaving school after their sophomore and junior seasons. We wish him the best as he pursues his dream to play professional hockey.”
Tropp was a fifth-round pick of the Sabres in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
He was suspended by the team for the final part of the 2008-09 season after slashing Michigan’s Steve Kampfer, a penalty that resulted in two game disqualifications.
