Saint John Sea Dogs forward Zack Phillips has signed his first NHL contract, the Minnesota Wild announced Monday.

Phillips signed a three-year entry level contract with the Wild, who selected him 28th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

“I’ve been trying to move forward ever since the Draft and work hard to keep the Wild happy with me,” said Phillips after signing his contract. “This is a step in the right direction.”

Phillips will remain with the Sea Dogs, where he has exploded offensively this season. Through just 31 games, he’s racked up 52 points and a plus-30 rating. He is on pace to surpass his eye-popping totals last year when he registered 38 goals and 95 assists in 67 games as Saint John took the Memorial Cup title. In 17 postseason games, he notched nine goals and 15 assists.

With numbers like that, Hockey Canada was sure to take notice, which they did in inviting him to its selection camp for the 2012 world junior championship.

“It was a good experience and I took a lot from it, and it’s going to help me in the future.”

For now, Phillips can forget about the contract, and hockey, as the QMJHL is on holiday break for a week. The time to relax can give Phillips some time to reflect on the last six months that saw him go in the first round, participate in the Wild’s Development Camp, score a goal and an assist at the Traverse City Prospects tournament, play two Wild preseason games and then try out for Hockey Canada.

“When I really sit back and think about it, I’m pretty fortunate for what’s happened to me and I’m happy about all of it.”

*With files from wild.nhl.com