:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60236115/981601982.jpg.0.jpg)
The Montreal Canadiens have signed Jesperi Kotkaniemi to a three-year entry-level contract.
The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi. #GoHabsGo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 1, 2018
The third overall selection of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft has signed his first NHL deal. As a first-round pick, this contract can supersede the one he is currently under in Finland, meaning he will now have several options to continue his development before potentially becoming a major piece of the Canadiens franchise in the near future.
Kotkaniemi played his draft season for Ässät in Liiga, posting 29 points in 57 games for the professional club. He burst into the conversation for a top-three selection with great performances playing centre for Team Finland in international competition, putting up nine points in seven games to help his nation claim gold at the 2018 Under-18 World Championship.
The full details of the contract, including the bonus structure of the deal, will be added once they are known.
UPDATE:
Jesperi Kotkaniemi's entry-level contract is the same as the last two No. 3 overall picks -- $925,000 in salary, up to $850,000 in Schedule A bonuses and up to $1.75M in Schedule B bonuses.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2018