Roland McKeown has signed his first pro contract. The native of Listowel penned a 3-year entry level deal with the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes.
Originally taken by the LA Kings in the NHL Draft, McKeown's rights were acquired by Carolina in a trade ahead of this year's deadline.
A defenseman and captain of the Kingston Frontenacs, he impressed the Hurricanes brass in his third OHL season.
“We like what we’ve seen from Roland on the ice, and the leadership qualities he displays as Kingston’s captain,” Hurricanes GM Ron Francis said in a press release. “He was an important part of the trade we made with Los Angeles in February, and we are excited to see him continue to develop."
The Frontenacs season has recently came to an end after a first round playoff sweep by North Bay. This gives McKeown a chance to feature late in the AHL season for the Charlotte Checkers, the Hurricanes affiliate.
According to NHL.com the deal will pay McKeown $625,000 next season if he makes Carolina's roster, or $70,000 if he plays in the AHL. He also got a signing bonus of $277,500.
