Kings Beat Clock, Sign Berg for $2.4 Million

The Kings signed their first-round draft pick, defenseman Aki-Petteri Berg of Finland, to a three-year contract believed to be worth about $2.4 million.

They were faced with a 9 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, part of an agreement between the NHL and the International Ice Hockey Federation. If Berg were not signed by the deadline, he would have to spend the season in Finland.

Berg, 18, was the third selection overall in July’s entry draft. As part of the new collective bargaining agreement, rookie salaries are being capped this season at $850,000. His contract does, however, include performance bonuses.