'Canes sign 1st-rounder to 3-year entry-level deal

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Carolina Hurricanes have signed first-round draft pick Jeff Skinner to a three-year entry-level contract.

The team said Tuesday that Skinner would make $810,000 per season at the NHL level or $67,500 in the minors. He also will receive a $270,000 signing bonus.

General manager Jim Rutherford calls the 18-year-old center "an important part of the future for the Hurricanes."

Carolina selected him with the seventh overall pick in June. He played for Kitchener of the OHL last season and was one of only two 50-goal scorers in that league. He added 20 more goals in 20 playoff games.

The Hurricanes say that under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement, he may be reassigned to his junior team but may not be assigned to their AHL affiliate in Charlotte.