Tyler Kleven forgoes senior season for the NHL

Tyler Kleven - Courtesy: fightinghawks.com
Tyler Kleven - Courtesy: fightinghawks.com

University of North Dakota junior defenseman Tyler Kleven is foregoing his final two years of college eligibility to sign with the Ottawa Senators. The club announced on Thursday that Kleven has signed his three-year entry-level contract.

In three years at North Dakota, Kleven played in 95 games. He tallied 35 points on 20 goals and 15 assists. Of his 20 career collegiate goals, eight were game winners, tying him with Nick Fuher (2001-05) for the most in program history by a defenseman.

Kleven will reunite with three former North Dakota teammates within Ottawa’s organization in forward Shane Pinto, defenseman Jake Sanderson, and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker.

Ottawa is currently in fifth place in the Atlantic Division with 73 points at 34-32-5.