Top free agent defenseman has signed his first NHL deal.

The young man who was widely regarded as the top free agent defenseman out of college has made his choice.

On Wednesday the Dallas Stars officially announced the signing of defenseman Gavin Bayreuther from St. Lawrence University. Bayreuther played in 30 games for St. Lawrence last season and recorded 8 goals and 21 assists for 29 points over that stretch.

General manager Jim Nill made the following statement:

"Head coach Mark Morris and his staff at St. Lawrence University have done a tremendous job developing Gavin's game," said Nill. "Gavin is a smart player with a great hockey sense who is able to create offense from the back end and we look forward to him continuing his development at the professional level."

[pub]

With Zachacry Aston-Reese off the board Bayreuther was viewed as the top free agent collegiate remaining, so this is a big move from the Stars.

Image courtesy Tara Freeman/SLU