PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed a 2025 draft pick to an entry-level contract, but he won’t take the ice anytime soon.

On Monday, GM Kyle Dubas announced that the team signed defenseman Peyton Kettles to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Kettles, the Penguins’ second-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, played five games in the WHL this season, recording one goal, two assists and was plus-2.

The defenseman underwent successful shoulder surgery on Friday and will be out six to seven months.

The 6-foot-6, 196-pound Winnipeg native has appeared in 121 WHL games, including 13 playoff games, and has won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS