Avalanche sign 1st-round pick Mikko Rantanen to entry-level contract

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The Colorado Avalanche have locked up their first-round pick from June's NHL draft, announcing Monday that they've signed forward Mikko Rantanen to a three-year entry-level contract.

"Mikko is a versatile forward who brings size, skill and a high compete level," said Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic. "We saw him at our development camp last week and are now eager to see how he does at our training camp in September."

Rantanen was selected 10th overall after a 28-point season as a member of TPS Turku in Finland.

NHL Central Scouting ranked the 18-year-old the top international player available prior to the draft.