Predators sign their top draft pick
The Nashville Predators signed first-round draft pick Seth Jones to an entry-level deal for three years and $9.675 million, the team announced Wednesday.
Jones' base salary will be $925,000 but with bonuses it will have an annual cap average of $3.225 million.
"Seth is a special prospect and we were fortunate to be in position to select him," Predators general manager David Poile said. "As a player, he brings so much to our organization, from size you can't teach to a skill set that every team hopes to add and a personality and maturity that will allow him to grow and develop with our veteran core and other young players.
"He has excelled at the junior and international levels and we anticipate him enjoying great success at the NHL level."
Jones, the son of former NBA player Popeye Jones, likely will contend for a spot with the Predators next season. He was the No. 1 ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting going into the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Last season for Portland in the Western Hockey League, Jones had 14 goals and 42 assists.
"I'm excited to be one step closer to realizing the dream of playing in the NHL, especially with a world-class organization like the Nashville Predators," Jones said. "Since being drafted by the Predators and coming to development camp, I'm certain this is the right spot and right organization for me. I can't wait for the opportunity to learn from and play with world-class players like Shea Weber and Pekka Rinne and other veteran players who will help me in my development on and off the ice."
