Joe Faust signs ATO with New Jersey Devils organization

According to Wisconsin assistant coach Gary Shuchuk, UW senior defenseman Joe Faust has signed an amateur tryout offer (ATO) with the New Jersey Devils organization. Faust will spend the rest of the season with New Jersey's top farm club, the Albany Devils of the AHL.

Congratulations to @smokinjoe_24 for signing a ATO with NJ. Starting his pro career in Albany. Right down the road to where I started mine.

— Gary Shuchuk (@gshuchuk) April 8, 2014

The deal comes with no guarantees for next season but effectively serves as a tryout for Faust with the organization that drafted him. Faust was originally drafted by the Devils in the 4th round of the 2010 NHL Draft, No. 114 overall.

The blueliner from Bloomington, Minn., was always solid defensively, but added some offensive flair to his game this past season. As a senior Faust notched two goals and 12 assists for 14 points while playing in all 37 games for the Badgers.

"Joe Faust had his best year productivity-wise this year as a defenseman," Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves said. "He can really skate and he is really strong on his skates. That will help him play against big guys at the next level. I can't overemphasize how skating will be his asset. He's learned to have a good stick and defend well. He's got a hard shot that became smarter. That is one of the reasons that he was able to put some points on the board. He'll give himself a chance to play at the next level."

Faust is the sixth Badger to sign a professional contract since the season has ended. Michael Mersch (Los Angeles Kings), Jake McCabe (Buffalo Sabres) and Nic Kerdiles (Anaheim Ducks) all signed NHL contracts, while Frankie Simonelli (Boston Bruins) and Tyler Barnes (San Antonio Rampage) signed ATO's.

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