Add junior forward Tyler Motte to the list of Michigan players who have signed a pro contract this offseason to negate remaining NCAA eligibility.
Motte signed with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday, becoming the third Wolverines player to forgo eligibility, joining defensemen Zach Werenski and Michael Downing.
Motte finished third nationally with 56 points in 38 games and led forwards with 70 blocked shots.
He and linemates Kyle Connor and JT Compher were selected as finalists for the Hobey Baker Award.
“I’m excited,” Motte said in a statement released by the school. “The timing was right and the opportunity in the near future was tough to pass up. It’ll be tough leaving Michigan, especially my teammates, the coaching staff, and friends and family that are close by. I’ll be back to graduate whether it’s over the summer with classes or down the road.”
Motte was a fourth-round pick by Chicago in the 2013 NHL Draft.
