Lightning Sign Center Mitch Fadden to Rookie Contract

[Thrillhouse]

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed center Mitch Fadden to a standard, three-year rookie contract today, Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Lawton announced.

“We are excited for Mitch to begin his professional career next season,” Lawton said. “He had multiple 30-goal seasons in the WHL and is also responsible in his own end. Mitch adds depth to our organization at the center position.”

Fadden, 6-foot and 175-pounds, played in 63 games in the WHL with the Tri-City Americans and the Lethbridge Hurricanes in 2008-09. He recorded 37 goals and 76 points, including 14 power-play goals in those games. He played in nine games with Lethbridge before finishing the season with Tri-City. He led the Americans in goals, was third in points and fourth in plus/minus with a plus-24. Fadden also ranked tied for ninth in the WHL in goals and was tied for seventh in power-play goals.

A native of Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Fadden played in 10 games with Tri-City during the postseason, recording three goals and 16 points. He led the team in points and was tied for the lead in plus/minus with a plus-7.

Fadden has played in 341 career WHL games with the Seattle Thunderbirds, Lethbridge and Tri-City. He has amassed 136 goals and 318 points. Fadden played in 47 playoff games, recording 12 goals and 45 points. He was named to the WHL East Second All-Star Team in 2008. Fadden has posted three consecutive 30-goal seasons and has had a plus-20 rating or higher in each of the previous two.

The 21-year-old was drafted by the Lightning in the fourth round, 107th overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

[Gunslinger]

Considering his height, he will need some "meat on his bones" to make the bigs.