Wild signs Massachusetts-Lowell defenseman Folin to two-year deal

Christian Folin celebrates Massachusetts-Lowell’s 2014 Hockey East championship on March 22 at the TD Garden in Boston (photo: Melissa Wade).

The Minnesota Wild has signed Massachusetts-Lowell sophomore defenseman Christian Folin to a two-year, entry-level contact and is expected to join the club in Chicago.

“Christian is an impressive package of size, mobility, and puck-moving ability,” said Wild assistant GM Brent Flahr in a statement. “He plays a very mature game that we feel should allow him transition to the NHL very quickly. We’re very excited to have Christian join the Wild and further add to our group of emerging young players.”

Folin was never drafted by an NHL team.

The 23-year-old had 20 points in 41 games (six goals, 14 assists) this season, including three game-winning goals, one short-handed goal and two power-play goals.

Folin recorded six goals and 21 points in 38 games during his 2012-13 freshman season.