Raleigh, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Brandon Sutter, their first-round pick in the 2007 draft, to a three-year contract, the team announced Wednesday.

Beginning with the 2008-09 season, the contract will pay Sutter $787,500 per season at the NHL level or $65,000 per season at the minor-league level. Sutter receives a $262,500 signing bonus as a part of the contract and will report to Albany Wednesday.

"We're excited about signing Brandon," general manager Jim Rutherford said in a statement. "We look forward to his continued development, and watching him work his way toward playing with the Hurricanes."

Sutter, 19, led Red Deer  in goals (26) and points (49) this past season.

Sutter, who is 6 feet 3 and 170 pounds, represented Canada at the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation's World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic last winter. Sutter is the son of Brent Sutter, a former NHL player and current New Jersey Devils head coach. He is the ninth member of his family drafted into the NHL.