Journal Staff
The Sarnia Sting could be without a key offensive cog this season after Pavel Zacha signed an entry-level contract with the National Hockey League's New Jersey Devils.
The native of the Czech Republic, taken first overall by the Sting in the CHL Import Draft in 2014, was selected sixth overall by the Devils at the NHL draft in Florida earlier this summer.
The three-year deal is reportedly worth an average of $925,000 per season.
"It's an amazing feeling," Zacha told NHL.com. "Right after I was drafted by New Jersey, that was the best feeling, and now signing a pro contract is probably the second-best feeling I've had in my life. It's a step forward to being in the NHL. It was always my dream, and I am getting closer to it."
Injuries, suspensions and international play limited the 6'3”, 210 lb. centre to 42 regular season and playoff games with the Sting last season, when he notched 17 goals and 20 assists.