Rocket lands NHL deal

Photo: Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning didn't waste any time getting Nolan Foote's name on a contract.

The Lightning, who selected Foote with the 27th pick in Friday's NHL draft, announced Tuesday the 18-year-old Kelowna Rocket has inked a three-year entry-level contract.

Terms of the deal were not released, however, capfriendly.com states the maximum entry-level contract is $2.775 million ($925,000 per year).

"It's crazy," said Foote during a media scrum in Tampa after signing.

"I just got drafted, now signing. It's real fast, it's cool, I'm happy. It's a great organization."

Foote, who turns 19 in November, will return to the Rockets for the upcoming season, unless he is able to crack the Tampa Bay lineup.

He amassed 36 goals and 63 points with the Rockets last season.

Foote joins his older brother Cal in the Tampa organization. Cal had 10 goals and 31 points in his first full season in the American Hockey League last season.

While Nolan Foote inks his first pro deal, undrafted Kelowna defenceman Jake Lee has been invited to the San Jose Sharks development camp.

Teammate Dillon Hamaliuk is also taking part in the camp after he was drafted by the Sharks in the second round Saturday.

Both Lee and Hamaliuk were acquired from the Seattle Thunderbirds in a blockbuster trade during the 2019 WHL bantam draft.