Boychuk signs contract

If you're a hockey player, what better way to celebrate your 19th birthday than to sign an NHL contract.

That's what Zach Boychuk did Saturday, on his 19th. The Canes' first-round draft pick agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract that will pay the forward $787,500 at the NHL level or $65,000 a season at the minor-league level.

Boychuk received a $262,500 signing bonus as part of the contract.

"I've had some good presents in the past but I don't know if any can top this one," Boychuk said. "I'm excited."

Boychuk, the 14th overall pick of the 2008 draft, had surgery on his left wrist in July for an injury first suffered in the Western Hockey League playoffs. After coming to the Canes' training camp, the wrist had healed to point he could join noncontact practice, but he had the pin removed earlier this week and he will be sidelined for about a week.

"We haven't talked too much about what the plan is for my future yet. I know they just wanted me to get the contract out of the way and get it signed. Now I can really focus on rehab for my wrist  and get the strength (back) and hopefully I'll get the chance to play some games."

General manager Jim Rutherford said the team had no "immediate plans" for Boychuk.

"Unfortunately, the hand injury makes our decision tougher," he said. "We've been able to see his skill level. But he has not been in contact drills yet, which makes it more difficult, and he will not play in any preseason games, which makes the decision even tougher.

"But based on the injuries we've had, opportunities may open up for him."