Justin Kloos signs with Minnesota Wild

Minnesota forward Justin Kloos in Nov 2016

The Minnesota Wild announced Wednesday that the team signed University of Minnesota senior forward Justin Kloos to a two year, entry-level contract that begins in 2017-18. He will spend the rest of the season with the Iowa Wild (AHL) on an amateur tryout agreement.

Kloos, who went undrafted, had his choice of teams and went the Wild, with whom he attended prospect development camp this past summer. He ended 2016-17 with a career-high 18 goals and 43 points in 38 games.

Jake Bischoff signs with New York Islanders

Minnesota D Jake Bischoff

University of Minnesota senior defenseman Jake Bischoff has signed a two year, entry-level contract with the New York Islanders.

The 22 year-old finished his college career with 68 points (17G-51A) in 139 games for the Gophers. He set new highs with 32 points (5G-27A) and 88 blocked shots en route to being named the 2017 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Vinni Lettieri signs ELC with New York Rangers

Photo: Daniel Mick

The New York Rangers announced Monday that the team signed University of Minnesota senior forward Vinni Lettieri to a two year, entry-level contract.

Lettieri's four years at Minnesota came to an Saturday when the Gophers lost to Notre Dame in the NCAA Tournament. The 22 year-old went undrafted. He chose to sign with the Rangers over Chicago, according to Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, who was first to report Lettieri's signing.

“Being a Gopher is something I will be proud of for the rest of my life, and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to play here at the University of Minnesota,” Lettieri said in a statement released by the University. “It’s bittersweet to be moving on from a place you love so much, but this has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and I’m thrilled to be signing with the Rangers organization.”