Defenceman Jacob Trouba says he felt the time was right to move to NHL

WINNIPEG – Defenceman Jacob Trouba says he’s put his college career on hold to fulfil his dream of playing in the NHL.

The 19-year-old has signed with the Winnipeg Jets.

He played 37 games with the University of Michigan Wolverines during the 2012-13 season and suggested earlier he wanted to finish his education before making the leap to the NHL.

But Trouba says he talked things over with his coaches and family and felt the time was right to make the jump.

The native of Rochester, Mich., was drafted by the Jets in the first round, ninth overall, in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

The Jets also confirmed Wednesday that they had claimed centre Mike Santorelli, 27, off waivers from the Florida Panthers.