Tomas Tatar obviously turned some heads this month. The 18-year-old Slovak, who was drafted in the second round in June, was signed by the Red Wings to a three-year entry-level contract, today. That's an unusual move for an organization that likes to bring its prospects along slowly.

Tatar will start in Grand Rapids. He could have either returned to Slovakia to play professionally there, or played for Plymouth of the Ontario Hockey League. The Red Wings wouldn't have needed to sign him to a contract if he went for either of the latter options.

The people I spoke with in Traverse City named Tatar first when listing who was impressive in the Red Wings' prospects camp earlier this month. At times, he needed instruction during drills, but when the scrimmages started at main camp, Tatar showed signs of being a special 18-year-old.

Here's the team's press release ...

The Detroit Red Wings announced today that the club has signed forward Tomas Tatar to a three-year entry level deal. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed. The team also announced that goaltender Jordan Pearce has been assigned to Detroit’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Tatar, 18, was Detroit’s second pick (second round, 60th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. The Ilava, Slovakia native appeared in two games for the Red Wings during the 2009 preseason.

Pearce, 22, was signed by Detroit to a two-year entry level deal on April 10, 2009. With the cut, Detroit’s active training camp roster stands at 38 players.