Merrimack native and former University of Providence standout Tim Schaller may not have been drafted as he had wanted a few years ago, but now it appears he’s finally the property of a National Hockey League organization.

According to multiple reports, Schaller, 22, has signed a two-year entry level contract with the Buffalo Sabres after a senior year at Providence College in which he scored eight goals with 27 assists and was voted Hockey East’s Best Defensive Forward. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound former defenseman, who converted to forward also won 56 percent of 564 faceoffs this season.

Schaller reportedly will wind up with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League on an amateur tryout basis, as the deal starts next season.

Schaller was projected as a possible late round draft pick back in June of 2009, but never got a call. It turned out fine for him, as he went on to a stellar career with the Friars that ended in the Hockey East semifinals.

He also played two full seasons with the New England Junior Huskies, recording 72 points in 90 games, before his time at Providence that began in the fall of 2009.

Reports also had him attending development camps run by the Chicago Blackhawks and Calgary Flames.

Schaller actually did get drafted by a team, the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League in round 13 in 2008. But you can bet he’ll take a stint with the Sabres organization any day.

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