RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Wednesday that the team had agreed to terms with defenseman Roland McKeown on a three-year, entry-level contract.
On the NHL level, the deal will pay McKeown $625,000 in 2015-16, $675,000 in 2016-17 and $750,000 in 2017-18.
His American Hockey League (AHL) salary will be $70,000 per year, and he receives a signing bonus of $277,500.
“We like what we’ve seen from Roland on the ice, and the leadership qualities he displays as Kingston’s captain,” executive vice president and general manager Ron Francis said.
“He was an important part of the trade we made with Los Angeles in February, and we are excited to see him continue to develop.”
McKeown, 19, recently completed his third regular season with the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), serving as Kington’s captain and ranking second among Kingston defensemen with 32 points (7g, 25a) in 65 games played.
The Frontenacs opened their best-of-seven, first-round OHL playoff series against the North Bay Battalion on Friday.
Los Angeles selected McKeown (6’1”, 195 lbs.) in the second round, 50th overall, of the 2014 NHL Draft, after he finished the 2013-14 season ranked 13th among OHL defensemen in scoring with 43 points (11g, 32a) in 62 games played, and served as alternate captain for the Frontenacs.
The Listowel, Ontario native has represented Canada in several international competitions, including the 2013 U-18 World Junior Championship, and the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.