Thrashers Ink 2008 First Round Pick Zach Bogosian

[Thrillhouse]

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed defenseman Zach Bogosian, the team's first-round selection (third overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, to a multiple-year contract, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Bogosian, 18, appeared in 60 games with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) last season and was the only OHL defenseman to lead his team in points with 61 (11 goals, 50 assists). He ranked second among league defensemen in regular-season assists and added three assists in five post-season contests with the Petes.

The 6-2, 200-pound defenseman represented the Eastern Conference at the 2008 OHL All-Star Classic, participated in the CHL Top Prospects game and was named to the 2008 OHL First All-Star Team. He was the second-ranked North American skater coming into the 2008 Entry Draft and was described by the NHL's Central Scouting Service as a "franchise player" and "ready to make the jump to the NHL very quickly."

Bogosian also took part in the 2008 U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid, N.Y. from Aug. 4-9. He recorded two assists in four games during the week-long camp.

The native of Massena, N.Y. has recorded 94 points (18 goals, 76 assists) and 135 penalty minutes in 127 career OHL games with Peterborough. He was selected by the Petes in the first round, 19th overall, of the 2006 OHL Priority Draft.

Prior to his time in Peterborough, Bogosian played two seasons at Cushing Academy (Mass.) from 2004-06, where former NHL All-Star Ray Bourque was an assistant coach.

[Snipes19]

Good news for the Thrashers.

And with Bogosian and Pietrangelo being signed today by their respective clubs, the big three d-men from the 2008 Draft class have now all been signed... and they will all be very good, so it should be interesting to see who turns out to be the best between the three. And personally, I wouldn't be surprised if it IS Zach Bogosian.