Twenty-year-old defenseman Nicolas Deslauriers, a third-round draft pick in 2009, signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Kings on Tuesday.

The native of Ville Lasalle, Quebec, led all QMJHL defensemen in 2011 playoff scoring with 20 points (5-15=20) in 24 games. Deslauriers helped Gatineau advance to the President’s Cup final, the QMJHL’s championship series, before the Olympiques lost to the Saint John Sea Dogs in six games.

In 48 regular-season games during the 2010-11 season, Deslauriers racked up 43 points (13 goals, 30 assists) and 53 penalty minutes. He led all defensemen on his team in goals (13), assists (30), points (43), power-play goals (6), and plus/minus rating (plus-22).

Deslauriers can also fight, with evidence here and here.

Deslauriers was the third player chosen by the Kings in a draft class that also includes Brayden Schenn (fifth overall) and Kyle Clifford (35th overall). Fellow 2009 draftees Linden Vey, Jean-Francois Berube and Jordan Nolan, David Kolomatis and Brandon Kozun have all signed their entry-level NHL deals too.

Seventh-round pick Nic Dowd just finished his freshman season at St. Cloud State and is unlikely to be tendered a contract before his eligibility expires. Michael Pelech, a sixth-round pick, signed an AHL contract in 2010 and spent last season with the ECHL’s Ontario Reign.