The exodus of talent from the Badgers' national runner-up team just keeps on going.
This time it is junior defenseman Cody Goloubef, who signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, giving up his final year of eligibility in Madison. He joins seven other UW skaters who are sure to depart from the team (all graduating) and could be the first of several blueliners to go pro.
Goloubef began his career as a 17-year-old freshman, one of the youngest players in the sport, and was drafted 37th overall after his first season. He collected three goals and 11 assists last year with a plus-13 and finished with 37 career points.
He was noted for his skating ability and was part of one of the most talented groups of defensemen in the entire country, which held opponents to 26.4 shots per game.
""Cody comes from a very successful program at Wisconsin, and we believe it is the right time for him to begin his professional career,"" Columbus general manager Scott Howson said in a statement.
Goloubef started in all three of his seasons and played for Canada's junior national team.
The move is not entirely surprising, as the Blue Jackets often prefer to get prospects into their system quickly.
The Badgers are still waiting to see if sophomore forward Derek Stepan and junior defensemen Brendan Smith and Ryan McDonagh will also make the jump to the professional ranks. Should all three leave the Badgers would be back in full rebuilding mode after this year's Frozen Four run.
