SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State junior forward Kyle Jean opted to forego his final two years of collegiate eligibility and signed a professional contract today with the New York Rangers.

Jean, a 6-4, 212-pound forward from Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., attended the Rangers' Development Camp held June 25-29 and made a good impression, scoring a goal in all four scrimmages, according to "The Blueshirt Beat" reporter Jim Cerny.

"This is new experience for me and I'm just trying to take it all in," Jean told Cerny. "This game is different from college hockey because college hockey is more run-and-gun. Here you have to make more smart plays, and I like that. My approach has been to come in and be a big sponge and learn as much as I can. Other than that I am just taking it day by day."

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced that the club has agreed to terms with Jean, a free agent, who was also invited to an upcoming Buffalo Sabres camp.

Jean totaled 12 goals and 12 assists in 39 games with the Lakers in 2011-12. He was second on the team in goals scored and fourth in points. During two collegiate seasons he compiled 13-25--38.

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