Predators' Samuel Girard: Inks entry-level deal with Predators

Girard signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Predators on Wednesday.

Analysis:

Nashville selected Girard with the 47th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. The 18-year-old defender is an offensive specialist, as evidenced by his highly impressive 74 points (10 goals, 64 assists) over 67 games with the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL last season. The 5-foot-10, 161-pound blueliner still needs to mature physically, but may be ready to contribute at the next level after spending the majority of the next two seasons continuing to develop in the AHL.