Brian Dumoulin Expected To Sign With Carolina Hurricanes Next Week

According to a report in the Maine Hockey Journal, tonight will be the final collegiate game for Boston College blueliner Brian Dumoulin. Dumoulin is expected to forgo his final year of eligibility and sign with the Carolina Hurricanes, according to family advisor Gary Prolman.

"I'd expect that within some point after the emotion from the national championship game has worn down and all that other stuff, he'll be on the road for Carolina," said Prolman. "Once we get the paperwork done and completed - there are a few logistical things to be worked out - Brian will sign an ATO and report to Charlotte."

Dumoulin, a second round draft pick of Carolina, had the opportunity to turn pro after last season, but returned to school for academic reasons.

"His future was charted out last year when he turned down to opportunity to play for Carolina to go back and pursue his education," said Prolman. "At that point, all the coaches sat down and we came to a consensus that at the end of this season he would turn professional."

"The more important part of the puzzle was his academics, which he's very close to completing. He's currently ahead of his class. He'll take some courses over the summer and will be within very close reach of completing his degree," Prolman added.

Regardless of whether tonight is Dumoulin's final game for the Maroon and Gold, it's hard to argue with the decision to make the jump to the pros. Win or lose tonight, Dumoulin has accomplished nearly everything you can at the college level. The junior defenseman has helped lead the Eagles to a Beanpot and Hockey East championship in each of his three years on the Heights, as well as being named a two-time Hockey East Defenseman of the Year, two-time All-American and a 2012 Hobey Baker Award finalist.

Hopefully all the talk of both Dumoulin and Chris Kreider (New York Rangers) turning pro isn't a distraction tonight. In addition to Dumoulin and Kreider, both expected to turn pro, this will be the final collegiate game for six BC seniors -- Barry Almeida, Tommy Atkinson, Paul Carey (Colorado Avalanche), Tommy Cross (Boston Bruins), Edwin Shea and Chris Venti.

Go Eagles!