The Columbus Blue Jackets and defenseman Zach Werenski agreed Tuesday to a three-year, entry-level contract that will kick in at the start of the 2016-17 season.
Earlier Tuesday, Columbus announced it had signed the 18-year-old to an amateur tryout contract with its American Hockey League affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters.
Werenski's deal carries a base salary of $925,000, including $92,500 signing bonus. With available bonuses of $850,000, cap hit is $1.775M.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) March 29, 2016
Werenski's slated to make his professional hockey debut Friday when the Monsters take on the Chicago Wolves.
The blue-liner captained the United States to bronze at the World Junior Hockey Championship this winter. He also completed his second season at the University of Michigan, collecting 11 goals and 36 points in 36 games.
