Former Minnesota Duluth defenseman Matt Cairns has signed a one-year contract with the AHL's Rochester Americans, the team announced on Wednesday afternoon. 
 
Cairns, a 2016 third round pick (84th overall) of the Edmonton Oilers, played in 28 games this past year for UMD. On the season, Cairns tallied six assists for six points and an impressive +18 rating. The 6-3, 213-pound Cairns provided veteran leadership and helped the Bulldogs to a Frozen Four appearance. Additionally, Cairns earned NCHC Academic All-Conference honors during his time in Duluth.
 
Prior to joining the Bulldogs, Cairns played three seasons for Cornell University in New York. While with the Big Red, Cairns dressed in 61 games while posting three goals and three assists for six points. Cairns, a native of Mississauga, Ont., spent time in the OJHL, USHL, and BCHL before making the jump to the NCAA.
 
Full Rochester Americans Release: Click Here