RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes have signed first-round draft pick Brandon Sutter to a three-year contract and say he will report to their American Hockey League affiliate in Albany.

Under terms of the deal signed today, Sutter has a contract that begins with the 2008-09 season. It will pay him $787,500 per season at the NHL level, or $65,000 if he is sent to the minor leagues.

The 19-year-old Sutter led his junior team, the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League, with 26 goals and 49 points this season.

He's the son of New Jersey coach Brent Sutter and is the ninth member of his family drafted into the NHL.