A pair of top 2013 draft picks -- Florida’s Aleksander Barkov (chosen second overall) and Carolina’s Elias Lindholm (fifth overall) -- have signed their entry-level contracts.
“We are pleased to have signed Aleksander,” said Panthers general manager Dale Tallon in a release. “He is a mature, strong and skilled forward who plays well at both ends of the ice and strengthens our line-up down the middle. Aleksander is a creative and dynamic player who our fans will enjoy watching. We look forward to his contributions to our organization both on and off the ice.”
Here’s the Hurricanes’ release on the Lindholm signing.
Both players are expected to compete for NHL roster spots at training camp.
Lindholm on playing in NHL next season: "I think I'm ready."
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) July 15, 2013
Rutherford says opportunity there for Lindholm to start with Canes. Says will be shocked if he doesn't.
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) July 15, 2013
Tallon on Barkov: "He has a desire to be here and really wants to be a star. He wants to play right away." #FlaPanthers
— By Bill Whitehead (@BillWhiteheadFL) July 12, 2013