Gustav Nyquist

DETROIT – Gustav Nyquist, the Red Wings’ fourth-round draft pick in 2008, and the University of Maine’s leading scorer for each of the past three seasons, has signed a two-year entry-level contract with the NHL club.

A 21-year-old economics major from Malmo, Sweden, Nyquist is again a top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. Last season, he finished as a runner-up to Wisconsin’s Blake Geoffrion.

Nyquist becomes the eighth Red Wings’ prospect – who was selected in one of the last five amateur drafts – to sign a pro contract with the organization. The others are Cory Emmerton (second-Round, 2006), Jan Mursak (sixth, 2006), Logan Pyett (seventh, 2006), Brendan Smith (first, 2007), Joakim Andersson (third, 2007), Thomas McCollum (first, 2008), and Tomas Tatar (second, 2009).

In three NCAA seasons, Nyquist scored 50 goals with 94 assists in 113 games. As a sophomore, the 5-foot-11 forward led the nation in scoring with 19 goals and 42 assists. As a rookie, Nyquist became the first freshman in 17 seasons to lead the Black Bears in scoring since Paul Kariya.

Nyquist, who led Maine with 18 goals and 33 assists this year, will now report to the Red Wings’ American Hockey League affiliate in Grand Rapids.

Hobey Baker voting is now in its second phase, with the top 10 being trimmed to final three by next Thursday. The recipient of the 2011 Hobey Baker Award will be announced on during the NCAA’s Frozen Four on April 8 in St. Paul, Minn.

Click HERE to vote for the 2011 Hobey Baker Award.