Four Notre Dame hockey players sign with NHL teams

The Notre Dame hockey team's run ended with a loss to Minnesota Duluth in Saturday's NCAA title game. Now some of the Irish players are lining up their professional careers.

Junior Dennis Gilbert became the latest Notre Dame icer to ink a deal on Friday. He joined junior Andrew Oglevie and graduating seniors Jordan Gross and Jake Evans in their NHL pursuit.

Gilbert to Blackhawks

Notre Dame defenseman Dennis Gilbert signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, the team announced Friday morning.

Gilbert will immediately join the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. The Blackhawks selected Gilbert as a third-round pick (91st overall) in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Gilbert tallied six goals and 26 assists for 42 points and 236 blocked shots in the 116 games he played in three seasons with the Irish. This past season, Gilbert led Notre Dame with 88 blocked shots, which put him tied for third nationally. He also scored two shorthanded goals, more than any other defenseman in the country. 

Gross to Coyotes

Notre Dame alternate captain Jordan Gross signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes, the team announced Thursday afternoon.

Gross finished his Irish career with 159 games played, totaling 36 goals and 85 assists for 121 points, which ranks third all-time at Notre Dame in scoring among defensemen and place him as the highest scoring blueliner since 1982. 

Oglevie to Sabres

Notre Dame's two-time leading scorer Andrew Oglevie signed a two-year entry level contract with the Buffalo Sabres, the team announced Wednesday. The junior will complete his spring term at the school before starting with the Sabres next season.

Oglevie had 41 goals and 48 assists in 107 career games with the Irish. Oglevie was an undrafted free agent eligible to sign anywhere.

Evans to Canadiens

Notre Dame captain Jake Evans signed a two-year deal with the Montreal Canadiens, the team announced Monday.

Evans goal with 5.7 seconds left against Michigan in the Frozen Four semifinals will forever be etched in Notre Dame hockey history. He had two goals that game and an assist.

He finished his Irish career with 41 goals and 97 assists in 158 games played, ranking 21st all-time in points.

Montreal drafted Evans in the seventh round in 2014, before his freshman season at Notre Dame. Montreal media speculated he'd report to AHL affiliate Laval for the rest of the season, but Evans is nursing a groin injury and will rest it instead.