A native of Fargo, N.D., Kleven, 21, recently completed his Junior season with the University of North Dakota (NCHC) Fighting Hawks while setting career highs in goals (eight), assists (10) and points (18) over 35 games.
"We're very pleased that Tyler has recently made the decision to begin his pro career," said Senators general manager Pierre Dorion. "He's a big, rangy, hard-nosed defender who maintains a physical presence while on the ice and an ability to hammer the puck with his shot. We've been especially impressed with his overall development dating to his draft year."
In additon to his career at North Dakota, where he tallied 35 points (20 goals, 15 assists) and 214 penalty minutes over 95 career collegiate contests, Kleven represented the United States in international play at both the 2021 and 2022 World Junior Championships and won a gold medal alongside Senators defenceman Jake Sanderson at the 2021 tournament in Edmonton.
Drafted by the Senators with the team's second of three second-round selections (44th overall) at the 2020 NHL Draft, Kleven moved into a tie for the all-time lead among UND defencemen when he notched his eighth game-winning goal for the Fighting Hawks on March 11 at Omaha.
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