Thursday, March 10, 2011

Grant leaves Michigan State for Ottawa

Michigan State Press Release

Michigan State sophomore forward Derek Grant has opted to forego his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility and sign a three-year entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators organization. Terms of the deal were not released.

“This was not an easy decision, but it is the one I felt that was right for me,” said Grant. “I love everything about Michigan State, and I will always be a Spartan. I owe a great deal of thanks to our coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to wear the Green & White. I also need to thank my teammates, who made my experience in East Lansing unforgettable. “

Grant, a fourth-round pick (119th overall) in the 2009 NHL entry draft by the Senators, left campus on Thursday to travel to Norfolk, Va., where he is expected to meet up with the Senators American Hockey League affiliate, Binghamton. The B-Sens play Norfolk on Friday, and at Charlotte on Saturday. Should Grant be in the lineup against Charlotte, he would face off against former Spartan Ethan Graham (2003-07).

Grant was the Spartans’ leading scorer in 2010-11, netting eight goals and a team-best 25 assists for 33 points. He ranked sixth in the CCHA in assists and tied for ninth in overall points. Grant completes his career with 20 goals and 43 assists in 76 career games. He had the most career points of any underclassman on the 2010-11 roster.

Grant was an honorable mention selection to the All-Rookie team in 2010, and received votes in this year’s all-CCHA voting.

Since the completion of the 2006 season, 10 Michigan State players have signed a professional hockey contract before completing their four years of collegiate eligibility. Grant joins former defenseman Mike Ratchuk (2006-08) as the two sophomores to leave after completing two seasons.

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