Brayden McNabb, who is preparing for the junior hockey championships, has found time to sign his first professional contract.

McNabb and the Buffalo Sabres agreed on terms today for a three-year, entry-level deal. Financial details are not yet available.

McNabb, the Sabres' third-round pick in the 2009 draft, helped the Kootenay Ice win the Western Hockey League championship and will play in the Memorial Cup beginning this weekend.

"Brayden is a big kid with great offensive abilities, and he’s continued to improve every year in Kootenay," Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said in a statement. "His outstanding performance in the WHL playoffs was just another positive sign in his development, and we are thrilled to now have him under contract for the next three years."

McNabb, a 6-foot-5, 216-pound defenseman, was a physical blue-liner with offensive potential when he entered the draft. He'll leave juniors as an offensive threat with a mean streak.

McNabb tied for second in scoring in the WHL playoffs, recording three goals and 27 points in 19 games. He had more assists (24) than any other defenseman had points. The run extended a season that saw McNabb record career bests with 22 goals, 50 assists and 72 points in 59 games.

The 20-year-old improved every season with Kootenay. He had two goals, 11 points and 63 penalty minutes during his rookie year of 2007-08. He followed that 10 goals, 36 points and 140 minutes. He put up 17 goals, 57 points and 121 PIMs last season before bettering the offensive numbers this year.

The Memorial Cup begins Friday in Mississauga, Ont. McNabb's first game is Saturday.

he's been putting together an incredible playoff run, so its not totally shocking. next up foligno?

No need for violence, just tell her she's got a game misconduct and show her the door.

As I said in the GDT, the call on Rivet was horseshit. The Bruins player was holding onto Rivet's stick like it was the last fucking raft on the Titanic.

Updated OP with contract details courtesy of the always reliable Cap Geek

Also, I don't know much about McNabb's character or his style of play but I hope he isn't going to be another one (ala Kassian) to have to learn how to handle himself on the ice and possibly change his game.