Wisconsin defenseman Cody Goloubef has signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, giving up his final year of eligibility.
Goloubef had 14 points and was plus-13 in 42 games as a junior for the Badgers.
Related link: Early departures in 2010 offseason
He was the Blue Jackets’ second-round pick, No. 37 overall, in the 2008 NHL entry draft.
“Cody comes from a very successful program at Wisconsin and we believe it is the right time for him to begin his professional career,” Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson said in a statement.
Goloubef may be just the first of Wisconsin’s defensemen to turn pro this offseason. Junior Brendan Smith was a first-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers prospect Ryan McDonagh, also a junior, was a first-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens before having his rights traded.
