North Dakota down another defenseman as Thompson leaves for Anaheim

Keaton Thompson had a breakout 2015-16 season with North Dakota and signed with the Anaheim Ducks (photo: Candace Horgan).

North Dakota junior defenseman Keaton Thompson has signed a three-year, entry level contract with the Anaheim Ducks and will forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility.

Anaheim drafted Thompson in the third round (87th overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft.

Thompson enjoyed his finest collegiate season in 2015-16 and helped lead the Fighting Hawks to the national championship and its second straight Penrose Cup as NCHC regular-season champions.

He played in a career-high 43 games and registered personal-bests in points (17), assists (15) and plus/minus rating (plus-21).

In 105 career games at North Dakota, Thompson collected eight goals and 28 assists with a plus-43 rating.

Another UND junior blueliner, Troy Stecher, signed with Vancouver last week.