The Bruins have locked up one of their most recent draft picks, announcing that they have signed forward Jakub Lauko to a three-year, entry-level contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 18-year-old was Boston’s third-round pick (77th overall) back in June following a pair of seasons playing at the men’s level in the Czech Extraliga with Pirati Chomutov. While he didn’t light up the scoresheet with just nine points (3-6-9) in 42 games, the fact that he was able to hold down a regular spot in their lineup as a draft-eligible player is impressive. Lauko fared better against his own age level in international competition, tying for the team lead in scoring for the Czechs at the World Under-18 Championships while playing a regular role at the World Juniors as well.
Lauko got into a pair of games with the Bruins this preseason and fared well, scoring twice. Instead of sending him back to the Czech Republic though, Boston has sent him to Rouyn-Noranda of the QMJHL, who selected him in the second round (107th overall) in the CHL Import Draft that was held in late June. As a result, his contract will be eligible to slide which means he will still have three years left on his deal heading into next season.