Blankenburg, 23, served as Michigan's captain this season and set career highs in goals, assists, points and power play goals with 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points, along with 22 penalty minutes, six PPG and a +17 plus/minus rating in 38 outings. He is tied for second among all NCAA defensemen in goals and power play goals and 15th-T in points as he helped the Wolverines win the Big Ten Tournament championship and earn a spot in the Frozen Four.
"We watched Michigan a lot this season and each time came away more and more impressed by Nick and the way he plays the game," said Kekalainen. "He is a talented, smart, really competitive player with great leadership qualities and we are thrilled to welcome him to our organization."
The Washington, Michigan native concluded his college career with 25-43-68, 62 penalty minutes and a cumulative +50 plus/minus rating in 133 games from 2018-22. He was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and earned conference All-Academic honors in each of his final three seasons. Prior to attending UM, he spent the 2017-18 season with the Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, recording 16-26-42 in 57 games and was named to the league's All-Rookie Team.
NICK BLANKENBURG STATS
