The Pittsburgh Penguins signed UMass Lowell forward Scott Wilson to a two-year entry-level contract, SB Nation reported Wednesday.
The Penguins selected Wilson in the seventh round of the 2011 NHL draft, and he’ll forego his final year of eligibility with the River Hawks to join the NHL.
“Scott has spent three years with us and also has seen his game grow,” UMass Lowell coach Norm Bazin said in a statement, via the Lowell Sun. “He helped change the culture of our program and we wish him the best (with) the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. We hope he will return to complete the final year of his degree from this world-class university.”
Wilson missed significant time during his junior season because of several injuries, but when healthy, he has a very accurate shot and a high hockey IQ to accompany his skills. He amassed 39 goals and 56 assists during his college career.
Wilson is the second UMass Lowell product to join an NHL organization after the River Hawks’ season ended with a 4-3 loss to Boston College in the NCAA tournament. Defenseman Christian Folin recently signed with the Minnesota Wild.
In addition, the River Hawks will also be losing junior forward and leading scorer Joseph Pendenza, who signed a professional contract with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL. The Admirals are affiliated with the NHL’s Nashville Predators.
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