Colorado Avalanche Sign 2012 Draft Pick Mitchell Heard

Mitchell Heard, the Colorado Avalanche's first selection in the 2012 NHL Draft, has signed a three-year entry level contract with the Avalanche, according to the Denver Post.

"We are pleased to have Mitchell under contract," Avalanche general manager Greg Sherman said in a release."He is coming off a strong season in the OHL, and we are excited to see him at training camp."

Heard played for the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League in 2011-12, and scored 29 goals and 57 points as a 20-year-old.

Heard was the No. 41 overall selection in the draft. The Avalanche did not have a first-round selection. Mike Chambers of the Denver Post speculates that Heard will begin his career in Denver's organization with the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League.

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