Arizona Coyotes sign first-round pick Brendan Perlini

Only three weeks after drafting winger Brendan Perlini with their first pick at the 2014 NHL draft, the Coyotes signed the 18-year-old to a three-year entry-level deal Friday.

"We are very pleased to sign Brendan to an entry-level contract," General Manager Don Maloney said in a statement released by the team. "Brendan is a strong skater with great size and skill. He had an impressive prospect development camp and we look forward to watching his development."

Perlini went 12th overall at the draft and was the last player available that the Coyotes coveted at that spot. Had Perlini already been off the board, the Coyotes would have traded their pick.

The 6-foot-2, 2-5-pound Perlini scored 34 goals and totaled 71 points in 58 games last season in the Ontario Hockey League playing for Niagara.

Although he won't immediately jump onto the Coyotes roster, his skating is an asset – especially considering his size. He was in the Valley last week to participate in the team's annual prospect camp, and team brass were encouraged by what they saw.

Perlini was born and raised in Guildford, Surrey, which is about 20 minutes outside of London. His father, Fred, played in the British Hockey League and also had a brief stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs.