University of Maine junior defenseman Ben Hutton, a second team All-American a year ago, has signed with the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks.
He is expected to report to Utica of the American Hockey League, the Canucks affiliate.
Hutton was a fifth-round draft pick of the Canucks in 2012, the 147th overall selection.
He led Maine’s defensemen in scoring all three seasons.
Hutton signed a two-year, two-way contract. He will get paid a specific wage at the AHL level and a higher wage in the NHL.
“It was a very difficult decision,” said Hutton. “I love it here. I don’t know if I’ll ever play in a rink with the same atmosphere as the Alfond Arena. They’re the best fans in college hockey.
“But I talked to my family and we felt it was time to start my pro career.”
He didn’t disclose the terms of the contract but said he was “very happy” with it.
“I’m excited. The Canucks have treated me first class,” said Hutton. “[A pro contract] is something every kid dreams of.”
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Hutton led the nation’s defensemen in goals with 15 and in power-play goals with nine during the 2013-14 season. He also became UMaine’s first defenseman to lead the team in goals.
The 21-year-old Hutton was named a first team All-Hockey East defenseman and received the Bob Monahan Award given to the top defenseman in New England. He had nine goals and 12 assists in 39 games this season. He wound up sixth on the team in scoring.
The Prescott, Ontario, native concluded his University of Maine career with 28 goals and 37 assists in 108 games.
His 28 career goals left him just four behind Jack Capuano and the late Andre Aubut for the school’s all-time goals leader among defensemen.
Hutton anchored the team’s power play and was a valuable penalty-killer.
“We’ve excited he has made the decision to sign,” said John Weisbrod, the vice president for player personnel with the Canucks. “Defense is a position we have a need for in terms of prospects. He is among our best in that department.
“He’s a real good all-around athlete. He’s a smart, well-rounded player who can handle the puck and skate. He can play in all three zones. We feel he has a pretty good chance to grow into an NHL player for us.”
Weisbrod said Hutton impressed them at their development camp last summer.
Hutton said he is going to focus on his defensive game and “go there with the mindset to keep getting better. You aren’t going to go far as a defenseman if you aren’t good defensively. I’m looking forward to working with the coaches.”
Maine coach Red Gendron said Hutton was “a magnificent player for us. He was a terrific offensive defenseman and, despite his plus-minus this season (minus-15), he improved his defensive game tremendously.
“I’m ambivalent. It’s sad to see him go. You can’t replace him very easily. But I’m delighted that he’s getting this opportunity,” said Gendron.
Providence coach Nate Leaman said Hutton was “very cerebral at the blue line.
“He was real good offensively. He had a real good stick. He could make plays and see plays develop,” said Leaman.
Hutton joins teammate Devin Shore in passing up his senior year to sign a pro contract.
Shore, a second-round pick of Dallas, signed with the Stars last week and is playing for their NHL affiliate, the Texas Stars.