Golden Knights sign 2023 first-round pick to three-year deal

The Golden Knights have signed their top pick from last month’s draft, announcing the signing of center David Edstrom to a three-year, entry-level deal.  Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

The 18-year-old was the final selection of the first round, going 32nd overall to the Stanley Cup champs.  Edstrom spent last season in Frolunda’s system, splitting time between their Under-18 team, Under-20 squad, and their SHL group.  The bulk of his action came at the Under-20 level where he was productive, notching 15 goals and 13 assists in 28 games.  Edstrom also didn’t look out of place in the pros, collecting two goals and two helpers in 11 contests while averaging just shy of eight minutes a night.  Internationally, he represented Sweden at the 2022 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup as well as the World Under-18s.

Edstrom is under contract in Sweden next season with Frolunda and it’s probable that he’ll be loaned back there where he’ll split time once again between the Under-20 team and the SHL squad.  If that happens, his contract will slide a year and still have three years left on it this time next summer.  He’s still likely a few years away from being NHL ready but Vegas feels that Edstrom should become a middle-six contributor for them down the road.