Capitals sign Andre Burakovsky to entry-level deal

The Washington Capitals have signed forward Andre Burakovsky to a three-year, entry-level contract, the club announced. 

Burakovsky was the club's first-round pick, 23rd overall, in the 2013 draft. His deal's worth $825,000 at the NHL level, and $70,000 at the AHL level, reports The Washington Post's Katie Carrera. 

Burakovsky, 18, will play for Erie of the OHL this coming season. He likely won't challenge for a spot on the Capitals roster for two years, but the club's glad he's committed to coming over to North America. 

General manager George McPhee said:

"I met with him when we were wrapping up [development] camp and told him it’s a real good opportunity for him to play in Erie, play in the OHL, get used to the North American rink and understand the North American game. That we really believe that’s what’s best for [his] development. The kid was terrific. He said if that’s what you want me to do I’m going to do it."

Burakovsky, from Austria, had four goals and seven assists in the Swedish league last season.