Former Minnesota Forward Jake Hansen Signs With Columbus Blue Jackets

The Minnesota Golden Gophers have a new face in the NHL scene. Former Golden Gophers forward Jake Hansen has signed a two year standard entry level deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets, as reported on the Jackets official website Thursday afternoon.

Hansen, who just finished his senior year helping the Gophers reach the Frozen Four in the NCAA Hockey Tournament, ended 2012 as a Gopher with 16 goals and 22 assists. In his overall career in Minnesota he was an overall +11 in 149 games. He was originally selected by the Jackets in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft with their 68th overall selection.

In addition to his time with the Gophers, Hansen had also played in the United States Hockey League with the Sioux Falls Stampede. He was +15 in 75 games in his USHL career.

For more on the Minnesota Golden Gophers, head over to The Daily Gopher. For more on Hansen's new team, head to SB Nation's Columbus blog The Cannon.