At their Summerfest earlier today, the Hurricanes announced the signings of both of their first round picks, defenseman Jake Bean (13th overall) and right winger Julien Gauthier (21st overall).
Bean was the third overall blueliner to be selected in last month’s draft behind only Olli Juolevi (Vancouver, 5th overall) and Mikhail Sergachev (Montreal, 9th overall). He played in 68 games with the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen last season, recording 24 goals and 40 assists. His 64 points ranked him sixth among all WHL defensemen while his 24 goals led all rearguards.
Gauthier completed his third full QMJHL season with Val-D’Or in 2015-16. He led the Foreurs in goals with a career high 41, good for six overall in the league in that department. Gauthier also added 16 assists and was the only draft-eligible player to suit up for Team Canada at the 2016 World Junior Hockey Championships where he picked up two assists in five games.
Both players receive identical base salaries. Each player will receive $925,000 per year (which includes a $92,500 annual signing bonus for three seasons) and will receive $70K at the AHL level once they’re eligible to turn pro (players drafted out of the CHL aren’t eligible to play in the minor leagues until they turn 20). Both are likely to return to their respective junior teams next season.