Aaron Ness Leaving The University of Minnesota?

ACCORDING TO VARIOUS SOURCES, AARON NESS MAY BE LEAVING THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA AND BE ON THE VERGE OF SIGNING AN ENTRY LEVEL CONTRACT WITH THE NEW YORK ISLANDERS 

Aaron Ness has not had too much success in his time with the Gophers and the Islanders have reason to be unhappy with his development. Ness, the small 5'10 offensive-defenseman, was the 40th overall pick in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders. He dominated Minnesota High School hockey with Roseau and in his final year there, he was able to put up a staggering 72 points in 31 games. He then headed to the University of Minnesota, where he has yet to maintain his status as a legitimate top NHL prospect. His freshman year was not what everyone was expecting, as he put up only 17 points in 37 games, yet his sophomore year was an even bigger disappointment as he only was able to put up a measly 12 points in 39 games. This year, in his 3rd season, he has been a bit better with 14 points in 35 games but is still not the player the Isles expected him to be. The reason for his downward spiral as a prospect can be attributed to the University of Minnesota. The Islanders know all too well how poor of a job Gophers head coach, Don Lucia, can do at developing certain players. This was a huge problem back in the 2007-08 season when Kyle Okposo was the player being ruined in the Gopher system. In that situation, Garth Snow stepped up and brought Okposo into the Isles system as quickly as possible. That move has worked out well for both the Isles and Okposo and that is what the Islanders are trying to do with Ness. Last off-season, Isles management tried to convince Ness to sign his Entry Level Contract (ELC) to enable Ness to join Bridgeport (AHL) or Kalamazoo (ECHL) to get him some help to develop his game before it was too late. He decided he would like to go back for another year as he wanted to get some more time in school before leaving. In the past 24 hours, rumors have surfaced that he has finally agreed to save his chance at playing in the NHL, and to join the Islanders as soon as possible. This would mean that Ness will be giving up his senior year and his final year of college hockey eligibility. Although the report has not been confirmed by either side, a few reliable sources have all supported each other and I am expecting to hear about a finalization of Aaron Ness signing a Entry Level Contract with the New York Islanders in the near future. With the massive amount of injuries down in Bridgeport, he would also be useful their club going forward and if they do end up agreeing on a deal, most likely that's where he'd be headed.

UPDATE at 3:45 on Wednesday:  Aaron Ness Officially Signs ELC With NYI