Michigan hockey defenseman Brandon Burlon has elected to forgo his final year at the school to sign with the New Jersey Devils. He signed an entry-level contract with the team, as announced earlier this week.
↵Burlon played three seasons at Michigan, and his most recent one was cut short due to an illness. He lost a lot of weight because of the illness and a bad reaction to medication, and although he seemed to be ready to go for the Frozen Four, Burlon didn't play.
↵Louie Caporusso, one of Burlon's former teammates at Michigan, signed an entry-level deal with the Ottawa Senators earlier in the week. Caporusso was out of eligibility, so he isn't leaving Michigan early.
↵At this point Burlon is the only player expected to bolt for the NHL this offseason. Things could obviously change, but a key player like Jon Merrill, whose rights belong to the Devils, is expected to be back.