SAN JOSE – The Sharks have signed 2015 first round daft pick Timo Meier to an entry level contract, the club announced at its annual season ticket holder town hall on Tuesday night.
Entry level contracts for players such as Meier are three years in length. Financial terms were not immediately known.
Meier, 18, was drafted ninth overall at the NHL draft on June 26 in Sunrise, Florida. He is currently in San Jose this week for the annual prospect camp, and will compete in the scrimmage on Thursday night at SAP Center.
Like most draft picks, Meier faces long odds to make the NHL lineup this season. He will likely return to his junior club if he doesn't make the opening night roster, and his contract will not kick in until he makes the Sharks or AHL Barracuda.
The 6-foot-1, 209-pound Swiss native led Halifax in goals with 44 last season, and was second on the team with 90 points. Meier was the highest-ranked player coming out of the QMJHL, and was ranked 10th overall by NHL Central Scouting among North American skaters when the Sharks selected him.
"Timo is a dynamic forward who has outstanding finishing skills," general manager Doug Wilson said in a statement. "His big, pro frame allows him to be successful in all three zones, and his high hockey IQ has already become evident at our Prospects Development Camp. We look forward to watching his continued development."
The Sharks chose ninth overall in the draft for just the second time in their history. They traded up to select Logan Couture in 2007.
In recent years, the ninth overall pick has produced several NHL regulars including Josh Bailey (Islanders, 2008), Mikael Granlund (Minnesota, 2010), Dougie Hamilton (Boston, 2011) and Jacob Trouba (Winnipeg, 2012).
