Adrian Dater of the Denver Post broke the news earlier today that the Colorado Avalanche have agreed to terms on a multi year deal with their first round selection, Joey Hishon.
Though details ahve not yet been released, this is a sign of confidence in Hishon, the 19 year old forward who was surprisingly selected 17th overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hishon was seen as a top scoring talent in 2009 before foot injuries sidelined him and his stock dropped. Colorado selected the forward with their first pick after many draft prognosticators viewed Hishon as a projected second round selection.
In his first year of professional hockey, Hishon did not disappoint. He has stayed healthy all season and dominated OHL competition to the tune of 36 goals and 83 points in a mere 46 games while playing with the Owen Sound Attack.
While this contract allows Hishon to officially compete for a spot on the 2011-2012 Avalanche, it's more likely that he will start the season with the AHL Lake Erie Monsters, with the possibility of a mid-season callup later in the year if he excels at that level of the minor leagues. He will finish this season as a member of the playoff-bound Owen Sound Attack.