Ducks, Sabres sign 2012 first round picks

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- The Anaheim Ducks have signed first-round pick Hampus Lindholm to a three-year entry-level contract. The Ducks announced the deal Friday with the Swedish defenseman.

The 18-year-old Lindholm was the sixth overall pick in last month's NHL Entry Draft. He finished last season with Rogle BK, helping the club earn promotion to the Swedish Elite League. Lindholm has another season left on his contract with Rogle BK, but is expected to attend training camp in Anaheim in September.

Sabres sign Girgensons

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- The Sabres signed forward Zemgus Girgensons, one of their two first-round draft selections, on Friday to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Girgensons, a native of Riga, Latvia, is the highest Latvian ever selected in the draft, and spent the last two seasons in the United States Hockey League.

He was alternate captain for Team Latvia at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he scored two goals in six games.

The Sabres won 39 games last season, and finished with 89 points. They did not make the postseason.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.