Canes suit Sutter

First-round pick signs 3-year deal

RALEIGH -- Brandon Sutter almost certainly won't play in the NHL this spring, but after signing him to an entry-level contract Wednesday, the Carolina Hurricanes think their 2007 first-round pick has a real chance to be in the NHL this fall.

The Canes signed Sutter to a three-year contract, starting with the 2008-09 season, and assigned him to Albany (AHL) for the remainder of this season. He practiced with the River Rats on Wednesday and is expected to make his AHL debut on Sunday against the Portland Pirates.

Most NHL scouts think Sutter, 19, has the ability and mentality to play in the NHL -- and there's no doubting his pedigree -- but there is uncertainty about how much he'll contribute offensively at the next level after averaging 23 goals and 50 points in three junior seasons.

"I think it's a big step for his development," Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said. "He played on a team that wasn't a real good team this year, and he played a lot of minutes every game. There's no questioning his ability and where he's at from that point of view. Now, to get to our level, he'll need more endurance and strength and finding out what it's like at the pro level."

Sutter will make $787,500 in the NHL, $60,000 in the AHL and receives a signing bonus of $262,500. He can also make up to $350,000 in performance bonuses each season.

A 6-foot-3 center drafted 11th overall last June, Sutter is the son of New Jersey Devils coach Brent Sutter, one of the six hockey-playing Sutter brothers. He played junior hockey for Red Deer (WHL), where his father coached until this season, and grew up around the team.

"Who would have thought when I was playing in Red Deer that he'd be signing a deal with the same team I'm playing with?" said Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward, who played three seasons of junior hockey for Brent Sutter. "You can't say enough about the Sutter family. I'm excited for him, and for Brent, too."