ST. PAUL, Minn., July 15 -- The Minnesota Wild Saturday signed their first-ever draft pick, Slovakian teen Marian Gaborik.
Gaborik, a left wing taken third overall, signed a multi-year deal at undisclosed terms, although ESPN reported contract is for three seasons.
The 18-year-old Gaborik played for Dukla-Trencin of Slovakia's Senior League the last two seasons, totaling 37 goals and 31 assists in 86 games.
"Marian's signing has been (director of hockey administration) Tom Lynn's top priority since draft day," Wild general manager Doug Risebrough said.
A 6-1, 183-pounder, Gaborik will have a chance to make the expansion roster out of training camp, which begins in early September.
"His participation in offseason workouts and a full training camp will be very important to his long-term development," Risebrough said. "We are excited to have him on board and concentrating on hockey."
Gaborik was the leading scorer on the Slovakian under-18 team at the 2000 World Championships and finished fourth among all players with six goals and two assists in six games.
Rated as the fourth-best European player by the Central Scouting, the native of Trencin, Slovakia has played against older competition in the Slovakian Senior League since he was 16.
