Bradley Nadeau, a freshman left wing from the University of Maine and named to the All-Hockey East season team, has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes drafted him in the first round last summer. He was the 30th overall pick.
He will receive a signing bonus of $285,000.
Nadeau had 19 goals and 27 assists for the Black Bears, leading the team in points with 46 points. He scored four game-winning goals, three power-play goals, and one short-handed goal.
The Saint-François-de-Madahuasca, New Brunswick native played in 11 multi-point games this season, including six multi-goal games and four multi-assist games.
“Our staff is excited for Bradley to continue pursuing his dream of playing in the NHL,” Maine head coach Ben Barr said in a press release. “Carolina is fortunate to not only have great players, but great teammates and talent to join our organization. Bradley's year at Orono was memorable and the Black Bear Nation I was fortunate enough to watch Bradley grow last season. Bradley will always be a Black Bear!”
Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell called Nadeau “a dynamic forward with a powerful shot.”
“He had a very impressive season at Maine, and we look forward to watching his development continue at the professional level,” Waddell said.
Nadeau's 46 points were the most by a Maine player since the 2011-12 season and the first time a Maine rookie has topped the 40-point mark since 2006-07.
He was also named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team and was also named All-New England.
Nadeau and his brother Josh were the driving force behind the Black Bears' 23-12-2 season, which earned the program its first NCAA Tournament and Hockey East Championship weekend appearance since 2011-12.
Nadeau will receive $855,000 annually if he plays for the Hurricanes in 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26. He will receive $82,500 over three seasons at the American Hockey League (AHL) level.
