(Photo credit: Notre Dame Athletics)

Another prospect in the Bruins pipeline is a step closer to realizing his dream of playing in the National Hockey League.

After a solid three-year career at Notre Dame, forward Anders Bjork will forego his senior season at South Bend after signing his three-year entry-level contract with the Bruins on Tuesday.

The move comes as a bit of a surprise to some as Bjork was expected to stay at Notre Dame for his senior season. But after a stellar junior campaign that included a Frozen Four appearance, a spot on the all-Hockey East All-Star First Team and being named a Hobey Baker finalist, Bjork is ready to embark on his professional hockey journey.

“This was a difficult decision because Notre Dame is such a special place,” Bjork said in a statement on UND.com.

“I am ready for the next step in my hockey career and am excited for the opportunity to join the Boston Bruins organization. It is also important to me, my family, and my Notre Dame coaches that I finish earning my degree from the University so I will continue to work towards that goal as well. I would like to thank Coach [Jeff] Jackson, [Assistant] Coach [Paul] Pooley and [Associate] Coach [Andy] Slaggert for their dedication and all they have done to help my development. I would also like to thank my Mom and Dad and siblings for their countless sacrifices and their leadership in character.”

During his collegiate career, Bjork averaged nearly a point per game tallying 109 points (40 goals, 69 assists) in 115 games. In 2016-17, the 5-foot-11 forward tallied career highs in the three major offensive statistical categories (21 goals, 31 assists, 52 points). His final season was highlighted by a two-goal effort against top-seeded Minnesota and a three-assist performance against UMass-Lowell en route to being named the Northeast Regional’s Most Outstanding Player.

The Wisconsin-born forward also represented the United States in international competition, most recently during this year’s IIHF World Championships, teaming with fellow Bruin and ex-Hockey East rival Charlie McAvoy. Bjork helped the U.S. capture the bronze medal the 2016 World Junior Championships where he tallied three goals in seven games.

Certainly, the Bruins have high hopes that Bjork’s collegiate success will translate into the pro game.

“I’ve been able to see him a couple of times including the regional [in Manchester, New Hampshire] and he was outstanding,” GM Don Sweeney said about Bjork in late-March. “He played every other shift, set up goals in the game and he’s really had a nice progression as a college player this season. He’s had a tremendous college career to this point and we’re excited about his development.”

With the likes of Jake DeBrusk, Zach Senyshyn and Danton Heinen already in the system, the Bruins pipeline of forwards continues to progress. Depending on any other off-season additions, expect the aforementioned trio, along with Bjork, to compete for one of the Bruins’ final forward spots at training camp.