St. Petersburg, FL -- (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Lightning made it official on Tuesday, signing center Steven Stamkos, this year's No. 1 overall draft pick to a three-year, entry-level contract.

"It is with great pleasure that we formally announce the signing of Steven today," said team vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton. "It is obvious to all of our staff in a brief period of time that Steven is a very special young man with great potential."

The 18-year-old Stamkos was the top-rated North American skater by NHL Central Scouting and solidified his standing as the best available player in this year's draft with an excellent 2007-08 season. He led the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League with 105 points this year, notching 58 goals and 47 assists in 61 games.

He upped his stock by posting one goal and five assists for gold-medal winning Team Canada at the 2008 World Junior Championships.

The six-foot, 176-pound Stamkos is an excellent skater and strong passer with the offensive skills to develop into a franchise player.