Boston University defenseman Tom Poti, a first-team All-America pick last season as a sophomore, renounced his final two years of collegiate eligibility Friday to sign with the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League.
An Oiler press release touted Poti as the top defenseman currently outside of the NHL; the 6-foot-3, 205-pound native of Worcester, Mass., totaled 14 goals and 45 points in 38 games for the Terriers last season, second only to Hobey Baker Award winner Chris Drury on BU’s scoring list. The previous year, Poti scored 4 goals and 21 points and was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie team.
Poti, 21, was selected by the Oilers in the third round of the 1996 NHL draft. His departure leaves the Terriers with just two of their top seven scorers from a year ago on the 1998-99 roster.
