Hurricanes sign Aleksi Saarela to entry-level contract

The Carolina Hurricanes locked up another building block Monday.

Hours after signing Sebastian Aho to his entry-level deal, the Hurricanes announced they've come to a similar arrangement with the top-end prospect's talented countryman, Aleksi Saarela.

Saarela, a third-round pick (89th overall) by the New York Rangers, was acquired as part of the Eric Staal trade.

The 19-year-old center ranked fourth in goal-scoring in the Finnish Elite League and led Assat Pori with 20 goals last season. He also helped Finland win gold at the World Junior Championship with four goals and seven points in as many games.