The Anaheim Ducks have signed Boston College junior defenseman Drew Helleson to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Helleson, who gives up his senior season with the Eagles, will start his professional career with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls.

Acquired with a second-round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft from the Colorado Avalanche for Josh Manson on March 14, Helleson recorded four goals and 25 points in 32 games as a junior in 2021-22 with Boston College. He led Eagles defensemen in points and ranked second among team leaders in assists.

The Farmington, Minn., native collected nine goals and 37 assists for 46 points with a plus-26 rating in 82 career NCAA games with BC from 2019 to 2022, leading team blueliners in scoring each of the last two seasons. He was named to the NCAA All-American second team, a Hockey East first team all-star and the best defensive defenseman in 2020-21 after scoring four goals and 15 points with a plus-23 rating in 22 games. He ranked third among all NCAA skaters in plus-minus.

Originally, Helleson was selected by Colorado in the second round (47th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft.

In California, Helleson played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ 13U AAA team in 2014-15.

Photo/Dave Arnold

(March 16, 2022)