No. 5 pick Hanifin leaves Boston College after signing with Carolina

Noah Hanifin had 23 points in 37 games as a freshman at Boston College (photo: Dan and Margaret Hickling).

Boston College’s Noah Hanifin signed with the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, forgoing his final three collegiate seasons.

The defenseman signed a three-year deal that will pay him $832,500 annually at the NHL level or $70,000 in the AHL. The contract includes a $277,500 signing bonus.

“Noah has had a great week here during our prospect development camp,” Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis said in a statement. “He is big, he can skate and he can move the puck. Noah fits the mold for the type of player and person we want in a Hurricanes uniform.”

Hanifin was the fifth overall pick in the NHL draft on June 26, the second of three college players to be picked in the top eight. Boston University’s Jack Eichel went at No. 2 and signed with the Sabres, while Michigan’s Zach Werenski said before being picked eighth by Columbus that he planned to return to school for his sophomore season.

Hanifin had five goals and 23 points in 37 games for the Eagles and was named to the All-Hockey East second team.