Senators sign Tkachuk to entry-level contract

Forward Brady Tkachuk has put pen to paper on a three-year, entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators, the club announced Monday.

It was reported on the weekend that Tkachuk had informed Boston University he would be turning pro. His father, Keith, confirmed Saturday that Brady would be signing with the Senators.

"We know how much he agonized over leaving Boston University, and we are encouraged by the degree of accountability and commitment this shows from him," Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said in a release.

"Through tenacity, combativeness, and work ethic, he also exemplifies leadership skills that we know will benefit the team now and well into the future. Most of all, Brady has shown us through his maturity that he is coachable, committed to teamwork, and determined to help us strengthen our team chemistry. For all these reasons, he is an exciting young player whose growth and development we are eager to support."

The 18-year-old was selected fourth overall in June's draft after entering as the second-ranked skater in North America by NHL Central Scouting. He's coming off a freshman college campaign in which he posted eight goals and 31 points in 40 games.