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Zucker signed a three-year entry level contract, the details of which were not disclosed. He is expected to make his NHL debut Thursday in the team’s game against the Florida Panthers at the Xcel Energy Center.

Zucker was a second round draft pick (59th overall) by Minnesota in 2010, tallied 91 points in 78 games as a Pioneers (45g, 46a), helped lead Denver to two NCAA Tournament appearances and to 50 wins in his two years and was a member of the U.S. World Junior’s team and captain this year.

“Jason is a very dynamic player, who enjoyed two outstanding seasons at the University of Denver,” said head coach George Gwozdecky. “He is a fierce competitior with elite speed and a deadly shot. Jason has excelled at every level of hockey, and we wish him continued sucess in the professional ranks.”

This season, Zucker posted a career-high 46 points (22g, 24a), helped the Pioneers to a 25-14-4 record, tallied nine power-play goals and three game winners and was named to the All-WCHA Second team for the second year in a row. His rookie season, he was named the WCHA Rookie of the Year and the All-College Hockey News Rookie Team and Inside College Hockey All-America Rookie Team, respectively.

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Zucker became the second DU underclassmen to turn professional today next to teammate Drew Shore.

“I’m very excited to turn pro and sign with Minnesota,” said Zucker. “I loved every second of my two years at Denver and I’m anxious to begin the next chapter of my hockey career.”