Hurricanes sign 1st-round picks Bean, Gauthier to entry-level deals

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed 2016 first-round draft picks Jake Bean and Julien Gauthier to three-year, entry-level contracts.

The deals will pay Bean - selected 13th overall - and Gauthier - selected 21st - $832,500 each at the NHL level or $70,000 at the AHL level through their first three seasons as pros.

Bean, an 18-year-old defenseman, recorded 29 goals and 103 points in 119 games for the WHL's Calgary Hitmen over the last two campaigns.

"It was great having Jake here for our development camp this week, and getting to know him better as a person and player," said general manager Ron Francis. "He has a bright future in our organization and we are looking forward to seeing him again at the rookie tournament and during training camp."

Gauthier, also 18, scored 41 goals in 56 games for the QMJHL's Val d'Or Foreurs in 2015-16.

"For an 18-year-old, Julien already has the body of a professional hockey player," Francis said. "He had a great week in Raleigh for development camp, and will play an important role in the Hurricanes' future."

They both also received signing bonuses of $277,500.