The Minnesota Wild have signed University of Minnesota junior forward Erik Haula, a seventh-round pick of the Wild in the 2009 NHL Draft, to an entry level contract, NHL.com reports.
The Star Tribune says Haula, who led the Gophers in scoring each of the past two seasons, will join the Houston Aeros of the AHL on Sunday.
Haula will forego his final season of eligibility at the U of M, according to Gopher Sports.com. The 22-year-old tallied 16 goals and 35 assists in 37 games during his final season with the team.
The Pioneer Press notes Haula is the fifth Gopher player to leave the program early since the team lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament a week ago.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers have signed Minnesota junior defenseman Mark Alt to an entry-level contract, Comcast Sportsnet reports.
