Montreal Canadiens sign 2007 first-rounder Max Pacioretty to contract

Forward Max Pacioretty puts on his jersey after being selected 22nd overall by the Montreal Canadiens during the first round of the National Hockey League Entry Draft in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, June 22, 2007. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

MONTREAL - Max Pacioretty is ready to take a shot at making the Montreal Canadiens.

The 19-year-old winger turned pro on Thursday and signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Canadiens.

The former first-round pick spent last season playing for the University of Michigan.

"Max Pacioretty is a young player with a lot of skills who has the potential to play in the NHL," Canadiens GM Bob Gainey said in a release. "We are very happy to have him under contract for years to come.

"We feel he is ready to make the jump to professional hockey, and we will make sure to provide him with all the resources which will benefit his long-term development as a player."

Pacioretty was drafted 22nd overall by Montreal in 2007. He recently participated in his second development camp with the Habs and will attend his first training camp in September.

As a freshman last season, Pacioretty had 39 points (15-24) in 37 games for the Wolverines. He also represented the U.S. at the world junior championship in Prague.