Gophers defenseman Keith Ballard is moving on:
The answer came Tuesday, when Ballard signed a three-year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes for the NHL rookie maximum of $1.185 million per year. Ballard said the money and opportunity were simply too good to pass up, which convinced him to skip his senior season. He ends his Gophers career with 33 goals and 67 assists in 123 games.
Lucia knew Ballard and forward Thomas Vanek could turn pro this summer if offered substantial NHL contracts. Vanek is enrolled in summer school, and as of Tuesday, Lucia expects him to return for his third season with the Gophers. Though the coach is sorry to see Ballard leave, he understood.
He understood just how difficult it's going to be to replace Ballard's stellar defense and offensive abilities, especially on the power play.
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