A couple of first-round picks have inked their entry-level contracts, as Filip Chytil and Martin Necas have signed with the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes respectively. Though details on Chytil’s deal haven’t been released, Necas will earn $925K ($832.5K salary+$92.5K signing bonus each season) at the NHL level. Both deals likely contain performance bonuses as well.
Necas, the 12th-overall pick, is one of the most disputed selections in the top fifteen as he is unknown to many North American hockey fans. Though he’s played incredibly well internationally for the Czech Republic, his short career in the top Czech league wasn’t record breaking. That said, holding your own at 17 in any professional league is impressive, and Necas has immense potential as a future top line center.
Chytil on the other hand was later in the round, 21st overall as New York’s second first-round pick. He was the second Czech player selected (after Necas) and comes with incredible skating ability. Not exactly the type of puck-controlling presence Necas is, Chytil relies more on his straight line speed and ability on the forecheck. As he continues to grow, he could develop into a top line winger with a booming shot, but also has some experience in the middle.