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The Chicago Blackhawks agreed to terms with Vermont senior defenseman Mike Paliotta on a two-year, entry-level contract Thursday. Paliotta, who is 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, had nine goals, 27 assists and was a plus-14 in 41 games this season. He’s tied for second in the nation in assists among defensemen and tied for fourth in points. He recently was named the best defensive defenseman in the Hockey East. He was drafted by the Blackhawks in the third round in 2011. Paliotta will report to the Blackhawks on Friday or Saturday, and the first year of his contract will be burned this season, according to his agent Jordan Neumann. Neumann said Paliotta agreed to terms Thursday after having a one-on-one talk with Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman. “We had a series of talks I would say that were ongoing ever since the weekend when Vermont lost,” Neumann said Thursday. “I think at the end of the day it was never a question of contract terms. I think it was a question of Michael’s fit in the organization and Michael believing that this was the right fit for him to make it to the National Hockey League and stay in the National Hockey League. “Slowly and surely, Stan made that point, and once Michael became comfortable that, yes, Chicago was that fit, he was ready to go. … I think at the end of the day you can analyze the depth chart all you want, but I think at the end of the day it comes down to a gut feeling and a gut belief in a person in Stan Bowman and organization in the Chicago Blackhawks.” Neumann said Paliotta was pleased to complete the negotiations. “I think he was excited as any young man would be,” Neumann said. “It’s one step closer to his dream coming true. I think he would also tell it was a relief as well. It’s been a difficult process. He’s a very meticulous young man and has taken the time to get involved in the process as much as young player as ever been.” Bowman spoke in January’s about Paliotta’s defensive ability and his growing offensive game. “His profile is not maybe as a high-scoring NHL player, but he does have that ability,” Bowman said in January. “That’s nice to see he’s tapping into it. I think he’s more along the lines of Stephen Johns. He’s a big kid. He’s got a physical side to his game. He’s not afraid to play a rugged game. But he’s worked on his skills, which is something we’ve talked about. Take advantage of it when you’re in college. He plays a lot of the power-play situations, and he’s done well with it. He’s someone we’re definitely looking to as soon as he finishes his year we want to turn pro.” The Blackhawks also agreed to terms Thursday with Colgate junior forward Kyle Baun to a two-year entry-level contract. Like Paliotta, Baun will report to the Blackhawks and burn one year of his deal this season.
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