The Buffalo Sabres on Friday signed their three first-round picks in last week’s NHL Draft – centers Matthew Savoie, Noah Ostlund and Jiri Kulich – to three-year, entry-level contracts.
The deals each have a $950,000 average annual value, according to capfriendly.com.
Right now, the 18-year-old prospects are in Buffalo for development camp. Savoie, who underwent shoulder surgery earlier this year, isn’t participating in the on-ice sessions.
The Sabres selected Savoie ninth overall, Ostlund 16th and Kulich 28th on July 7 in Montreal. It marked the first time since 1983 they took three players in the first round.
Savoie compiled 35 goals and 90 points in 65 games last season for the Western Hockey League’s Winnipeg Ice.
Ostlund recorded nine goals and 42 points in 32 games with Djurgardens’ junior team in Sweden last season and zero points in 11 outings with their big club.
Kulich scored nine goals and 19 points in 49 games last season for HC Energie Karlovy Vary, a team in Czech Republic’s top pro league. He added nine goals and 11 points in six contests at the World Under-18 Junior Championship, earning MVP honors.
