TORONTO (AP) - The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed No. 1 overall draft pick Auston Matthews to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Matthews had 24 goals and 22 assists in 36 games last season for the Zurich Lions in Switzerland and had nine points for the United States at the world hockey championship.
The 18-year-old from Scottsdale, Arizona, immediately became the face of the Maple Leafs' franchise when they selected him first in last month's draft. General manager Lou Lamoriello typically refuses to give bonuses to rookies, but agent Pat Brisson confirmed that Matthews' deal includes the maximum entry-level salary of $925,000 per year as well as bonuses.
Brisson also said: "There were no issues at all getting it done with Lou and the Leafs. Auston is thrilled."
