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In what has already been an active offseason for Penn State, another Nittany Lion is heading to the professional ranks. Defenseman Cole Hults signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the Los Angeles Kings, forgoing his final season of eligibility.
Junior @ColeHults is heading west to L.A. forgoing his final season in #HockeyValley after inking a two-year, entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday afternoon!!
— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) April 11, 2020
Congrats Cole and Good Luck!! #WeAre #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/iW5u3T6w5j
Hults was drafted by the Kings in the fifth round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
Hults has been one of Penn State’s most consistent players and best defenseman in his three seasons in Hockey Valley. In 111 career games, Hults posted 17 goals, 78 points, and a plus-48 rating.
Never the flashiest player, Hults opened his junior campaign with the Nittany Lions in spectacular fashion, netting a hat trick in an 8-2 win over Sacred Heart.
Cole Hults just became the first defenseman in @PennStateMHKY history to score three goals in a game. #hatty pic.twitter.com/pKFzoz7h7Z
— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 12, 2019
Hults joins Evan Barratt as the second Nittany Lion to depart early this offseason.