Minnesota men’s hockey recruit and St. Louis Blues draftee Max Gardiner has decided to join the Gophers next season rather than play for Des Moines in the United States Hockey League, according to the Star Tribune.

Gardiner, a 6-foot-3 176-pound center from Minnetonka and the 74th overall pick in the NHL entry draft in June met with Minnesota head coach Don Lucia Monday before making the decision, according to the report. Lucia said in June that he wanted the Blues’ feedback before deciding whether to invite Gardiner to join the Gophers next season or to wait another year.

Gardiner had 15 goals and 30 assists for Minnetonka as a senior.