The Arizona Coyotes have signed 2016 1st round draft pick Jakob Chychrun to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Saturday. The terms and bonus structure of the deal were not disclosed by the team.
“We are very pleased to sign Jakob to an entry-level contract,” said general manager John Chayka. “Jakob is a highly-skilled player with an all-around game. He has a great work ethic and is very determined. We look forward to watching him continue to develop this season.”
The 6-foot-2 defenseman put up 49 points (11-38-49) and 51 penalty minutes through 62 games with the OHL’s Sarnia Sting last season. Once thought to potentially be the best defenseman in the draft, he fell to 16th, at which point the Coyotes put together a trade to grab the pick from the Detroit Red Wings and draft Chychrun.
“It’s an honor to sign with the Coyotes,” said Chychrun. “I’m the first to understand that there’s still a lot of work ahead of me but this is an absolute dream come true to sign my first NHL contract.”