Hurricanes sign prospect Jamieson Rees to three-year, entry-level deal

The Carolina Hurricanes inked another top prospect, signing Jamieson Rees to his three-year, entry-level contract. The young forward was selected 44th overall in 2019 and has played the last three seasons with the Sarnia Sting of the OHL. The deal comes with an average annual value of just over $850K after the signing bonus is taken into account. Hurricanes GM Don Waddell released a short statement on his new player:

"Jamieson is a skilled center with strong playmaking ability. He made major strides in his development last season, and we’re looking forward to his next steps."

Rees, 19, scored 18 goals and 61 points in just 39 games for Sarnia last season despite missing time with an ankle injury. Though he hasn’t played this year thanks to the COVID-19 situation, he was invited to Hockey Canada’s World Junior selection camp, where he competed for a spot in a loaded forward group. Rees ended up being one of the final cuts, meaning he is once again waiting for his next chance to play competitive hockey.

This is exactly the type of player who could be headed for the AHL should the CHL season eventually get canceled. Rees is not ready to play in the NHL but still needs to get on the ice for his development to continue. Even if he does play in the minor leagues, his contract will slide forward; the only thing that would make it kick in this season is playing seven NHL games, an unlikely scenario regardless of how he performs in training camp.