Minnesota Wild sign 17-year-old defenceman Mathew Dumba , their 1st-round draft pick

Matthew Dumba, center, smiles with officials from the Minnesota Wild after being chosen seventh overall in the first round of the NHL hockey draft on Friday, June 22, 2012, in Pittsburgh. The Minnesota Wild have signed teenager and first-round draft pick Mathew Dumba.The Wild announced Thursday the signing of 17-year-old Dumba, who was the seventh overall draft pick. He recently participated in the Wild's prospect camp after serving as a captain for Canada in the Under-18 world championships. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Keith Srakocic

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Wild have signed teenager and first-round draft pick Mathew Dumba.

The Wild announced Thursday the signing of 17-year-old Dumba, who was the seventh overall draft pick. He recently participated in the Wild's prospect camp after serving as a captain for Canada in the Under-18 world championships.

Dumba had 20 goals and 57 points for Red Deer in the Western Hockey League last season. He led all WHL defencemen in goals. The Wild envision him becoming a top-shelf, puck-moving defenceman.

His development will no doubt be aided by the recent acquisition of veteran defenceman Ryan Suter. The Wild signed Suter to a 13-year, $98 million contract this month.