The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenceman Darnell Nurse to a three-year entry-level contract.

Edmonton selected the 18-year-old seventh overall at the 2013 NHL draft.

He had 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) and 116 penalty minutes in 68 games with the Ontario Hockey League's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds last season. He added four points and six penalty minutes in six playoff games.

Story continues below advertisement

The 6-foot-5, 192-pound blueliner represented Canada at the 2013 Under-18 World Junior Hockey Championship and participated in the 2013 CHL Top Prospects Game.

The Hamilton native is the son of former CFL receiver Richard Nurse and nephew of former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb.