NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Darren Haydar, who led the nation in scoring last season while at New Hampshire, signed with the Nashville Predators.

Haydar was a finalist for the 2002 Hobey Baker Award, given to the top player in college hockey. He had 31 goals and 45 assists in carrying New Hampshire to the final four of the NCAA tournament.

The Predators had selected Haydar as a ninth-round pick in the 1999 NHL entry draft.