Justin Kea.JPG

Saginaw Spirit forward Justin Kea signed an entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL.

(File | MLive.com)

SAGINAW, MI — Justin Kea made the most of his four seasons in Saginaw, and he's been rewarded with a three year entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL.

Kea, 6-foot-4, 200-pounds, was drafted by the Sabres in the third round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, No. 73 overall.

He becomes the second member of the Spirit this year to sign with an NHL club, joining goalie Jake Paterson who signed with the Detroit Red Wings.

The 20-year old forward was Saginaw’s first round pick in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection, No. 13 overall, and he played all four junior seasons with the Spirit.

After adjusting to the league his first two years, Kea burst onto the scene last year with 22 goals and 26 assists to shatter his career marks, and he had 22 goals and 27 assists this year, despite missing 10 games with a broken hand.

In four years, the Woodville, Ont. native played in 253 regular season games for Saginaw and scored 51 goals with 66 assists.

Cory Butzin covers sports for MLive/Saginaw News. Email him at cbutzin1@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.