Goalie Hannu Toivonen will likely start next season in Porvidence.

BOSTON (AP) – The Boston Bruins have signed their top selection from the 2002 NHL entry draft, a goaltender who could play for their AHL affiliate in Providence, R.I., next season.

Hannu Toivonen, 19, agreed to a three-year contract, said General Manager Mike O’Connell. He said Toivonen, who played in the Finnish Elite League last year, would probably benefit from a year in the American Hockey League.

“He’s developed very quickly and he had a terrific season last year in just his first year in their Elite League,” O’Connell said. “We think he will continue to improve by playing a longer and tougher schedule, probably in Providence, next season.”

A 6-foot-2, 191-pouind native of Kalvola, Finland, Toivonen was 16-2-4 for HPK Hameenllnna last season, posting a 2.26 goals-against average.

The Bruins also signed center Sergei Sinojev, 23 of Russia, their sixth pick in the 2000 NHL draft, to a two-year contract.

O’Connell said he expects Sinojev, who has 32 goals and 52 assists in four seasons in Russia, to compete for a roster position in training camp.

O’Connell described Sinojev as “a good face-off guy” and “more of a playmaker with very good vision.”

AP-ES-07-10-03 1856EDT