Hamill signs

First-round pick Zach Hamill signed a three-year entry-level deal today that will pay the center the CBA-mandated maximum of $875,000 per season. The salary 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."

The 18-year-old Hamill signed a two-way deal, so he will earn $65,000 per season in the AHL, although he's expected to return to Everett, his junior team, in 2007-08.

Hamill could also earn a total of $500,000 per season in Individual A bonuses (categories include goals, assists, points, plus/minus, points per game, All-Rookie Game appearance, All-Star Game appearance), $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."