While he hasn’t signed on the dotted line just yet, Michigan defenseman Brandon Burlon will forego his senior year with the Wolverines and sign an NHL deal with the New Jersey Devils, according to The Wolverine.
“It’s just been something that has been brewing in my head for awhile – it’s time for a change,” Burlon told the publication Wednesday afternoon. “Michigan has given me a great opportunity for three years, academically and athletically, and the best way I can explain it is I just feel I’m ready for a change.”
Burlon, a healthy scratch during the Frozen Four after being shelved by an allergic reaction to medication, denied he was leaving Ann Arbor due to not seeing the ice in St. Paul last month.
“I would have loved to have played in the Frozen Four and helped, but coach (Red Berenson) did what he felt was in the best interest of the team and obviously we beat North Dakota and went to the finals and we lost by a goal in overtime,” added Burlon. “I didn’t make my decision because of that.”
Burlon was drafted by the Devils in the second round of the 2008 NHL draft and should sign after the World Championship.
“I haven’t signed yet, but it should happen sooner rather than later,” Burlon concluded.
