Bruins' top pick in the fold

The Bruins signed first-round pick Zach Hamill to a three-year entry-level contract yesterday that will pay the center $875,000 per season, which includes an $87,500 signing bonus.

"He's ecstatic," said Ross Gurney, Hamill's agent. "It shows a huge commitment from the team to get him done. It does a lot for his confidence. Now he can showcase at his peak at camp."

Hamill, the eighth overall pick in the NHL draft, agreed to a two-way deal, meaning he'll earn $65,000 per season in the AHL. Unless he overwhelms the Boston bosses in camp next month, Hamill will return to the Everett Silvertips, his junior team.

Hamill also could earn a total of $500,000 per season in Individual A bonuses, $75,000 more than No. 7 pick Jakub Voracek agreed to with the Columbus Blue Jackets last Friday.

"He did get more bonus money, but that's there to be earned," said Gurney. "The reality is that these kids will earn their money by playing in the NHL. If he plays in the NHL, the bonuses are the carrot.

"Boston was very fair with the contract. Now he's going to go in and prove he's worth the dollars that are on the table for him."

FLUTO SHINZAWA