Wild signs Larsson to entry-level deal

Star Tribune’s Michael Russo reports that the Wild have signed 2010 second-round pick Johan Larsson to a three-year, $2.7 million deal. That’s a $900,000 cap hit once he begins playing in the NHL. That includes a $90,000 annual signing bonus.

-Press Release from Wild-

SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed forward Johan Larsson to a three-year, entry-level contract.

“We’re very excited to have Johan under contract,” said Assistant General Manager Brent Flahr. “He’s a quality prospect with a good combination of skill, grit, and character. We look forward to having him in camp and monitoring his development going forward.”

Larsson, 18 (7/25/92), collected eight points (4-4=8) and 18 penalty minutes (PIM) in 43 games for Brynas IF Gavle in Sweden’s Elite League this season and added two assists in five playoff matches. The 6-foot, 198-pound native of Lau, Sweden, also racked up 15 points (6-9=15) in 10 contests with Brynas’ junior team in 2010-11. Larsson posted four points (1-3=4) and four PIM in six games as Sweden finished fourth at the 2011 World Junior Championship. He served as captain for Sweden at the Under-19 Three Nations Tournament collecting five points (2-3=5) in three contests and recorded 10 points (4-6=10) in four games at the Under-19 Five Nations Tournament to rank tied for first in scoring. Larsson ranked second in scoring at the 2010 Under-18 World Championship, netting 14 points (6-8=14) in five games as the team captain helped Sweden claim a silver medal. He tallied 34 points (15-19=34) and 80 PIM in 40 games with Brynas’ junior team in 2009-10.

Larsson was selected by Minnesota in the second round (56th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.