Predators President of Hockey Operations/GM David Poile announced today that the club has signed 2009 fourth-round pick Mattias Ekholm to a three-year entry level contract. Ekholm, 20, was named 2010-11 Elitserien Rookie of the Year award – following the likes of Patric Hornqvist, Nicklas Backstrom, Loui Eriksson and Henrik Zetterberg – after ranking fourth among Swedish Elite League defensemen in goals (10) and points (33) in his first full season with Brynas IF. The native of Borlange, Sweden also tied for fourth among SEL blueliners in power-play goals (5). Nashville's seventh choice, 102nd overall, in the 2009 Entry Draft, Ekholm earned a bronze medal while representing Sweden at the 2010 World Junior Championships, tying for the 2010 WJC lead with a +10 rating in the process.