The Tampa Bay Lightning gave their rookie Ethan Gauthier a nice early Christmas present, signing him to a three-year contract in the National League on Thursday.
The 18-year-old's contract takes effect next season and the Quebecer will finish the season with the Voltigeurs de Drummondville, his team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
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Gauthier was the highest elected representative of La Belle Province in the last draft. The Lightning called out his name in the second round at 37th. Tampa acquired this pick from the Montreal Canadiens in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche that included forward Ross Colton.
This season, the right winger collected 30 points in 28 games, including 13 goals. The former Sherbrooke Phoenix was named assistant captain in his first season at Drummondville.