Edmonton Oilers sign NHL Entry Draft top pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to entry level contract
One of the most highly anticipated top picks in the National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft history, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, has been signed by his selecting team, Edmonton Oilers, to a three-year NHL Entry-level contract, which the franchise announced on
Saturday.
The first overall pick of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft had been hoping to sign with Oilers but always had plans to return to the minor leagues if he had to be put on reserves for next season, but was very happy after receiving the phone call.
“I was very excited when I got that call (about the contract)”, said Nugent-Hopkins. “It’s pretty incredible and I can just focus on just the hockey part now. I’ll train hard this summer, put on a few more pounds and get back on the ice”.
The entry contract means that Nugent-Hopkins will start taking part in Edmonton’s prospect camp which starts on Monday. He will also be participating in Team Canada’s World Junior Development camp.
Born in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, on April 12, 1993, Nugent-Hopkins recently turned 18 and was available to be drafted.
He ranked first overall in assists throughout the Western Hockey League (WHL) with 75 assists along with 31 goals for a total of an amazing 106 points in 69 games played with Red Deer Rebels.
Edmonton's management knows how important and special this time is for the first overall pick.
“There’s not much negotiation with the first overall pick”, said Oilers' general manager, Steve Tambellini. “Everyone knows what it’s going to be and he deserves that contract. It’s a huge moment in his career and his family’s career, and I can’t wait to
see him with the rest of the guys at our development camp”.
According to the entry-level contract, Nugent-Hopkins will be entitled to a maximum of $925,000 per season along with benefits which is the rookie standard in the league.
The Oilers' club is certainly hopeful to create a dynamic duo of first picks as Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall, last year’s top pick, will perform together and try and lift the team to new heights after it achieved new lows last season.
Tags: