Red Wings sign NTDP, Notre Dame alum Robbie Russo

By @MichaelCaples –

The Detroit Red Wings announced a signing via their Twitter account this morning, as the club has inked Robbie Russo to a two-year, entry-level contract.

Russo, who played for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program from 2009-11, is a Notre Dame product. A right-handed defenseman, Russo played four seasons with the Fighting Irish.

“I’m excited and proud to be part of the Red Wings organization,” Russo said via UND.com. “It’s been a dream of mine to play in the NHL and this is a step in the right direction.”

Last year, in his senior season, Russo recorded 41 points in 40 games for ND. In doing so, Russo was named an AHCA Second Team All-American, and he was a All-Hockey East First Team selection. He also served as a team captain for the Irish in 2014-15.

“We are excited Robbie has earned the opportunity to join such a great organization,” Irish head coach Jeff Jackson said via the team release. “He certainly fits the type of player the Red Wings like to develop and he has showcased a deep understanding and awareness of the game over his last four seasons at Notre Dame.”

A 22-year-old defenseman, Russo was originally drafted by the New York Islanders in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft, but he never signed with the club.

In his second year with the NTDP, Russo served as a team captain and helped lead Team USA to gold medals at the Four Nations, the Five Nations and the 2011 IIHF World Under-18 Championships.

“Signing [with Detroit] would not have been possible without my time at Notre Dame,” Russo said. “The coaching staff gave me a ton of opportunities and helped me grow as a player and person. I can’t thank my Irish teammates enough. They made my time there special and any success I had personally was because of my teammates. Notre Dame really helped me get to this point in my hockey career.”