The Penguins signed their top two picks this summer -- Samuel Poulin and Nathan Legare -- to entry-level contracts.
The Penguins did consider keeping both players in the NHL for a nine-game tryout, but ultimately sent both back to their respective junior teams.
So, why sign them now, when it could be another two years before either goes pro?
Part of the reason is that it shows management's confidence in the two players. However, there are actual, tangible benefits to signing players this early.
Poulin's contract is structured as $832,500 in base salary, plus the $92,500 signing bonus, to equal a $925,000 average annual value and cap hit.