The Ottawa Senators have signed defenceman Christian Wolanin to a two-year entry-level deal, the team announced Wednesday. He will join the Senators later this week and is expected to remain with the team for the rest of the season, according to TSN Senior Hockey Writer Frank Seravalli. 

The 23-year-old Wolanin was the Sens' fourth-round pick in 2015. He led the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks with 12 goals and 23 assists in 40 games. He was the first defenceman to lead the Hawks in scoring since ex-NHLer James Patrick in 1982-83. 

"Christian is talented player that has displayed high-end offensive skill from the blueline during his career at the University of North Dakota," said Senators general manager Pierre Dorion in a statement. "He made the decision to turn professional and we are happy to have him under contract. Christian will join our team in Ottawa for the remainder of the season, which will present a tremendous opportunity for him to learn and develop."

Wolanin is the son of defenceman Craig Wolanin, who spent over a decade in the NHL for the New Jersey Devils, Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Prior to his tenure with the Fighting Hawks, Wolanin spent time with the Green Bay Gamblers and Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL. 

The Senators will be back in action Thursday night when they host the Edmonton Oilers.