SUNRISE, Fla. - The Florida Panthers have signed defenceman Erik Gudbranson to an entry-level contract.

Gudbranson was the team's first-round pick in the 2010 draft, going third overall. The 19-year-old from Ottawa had a goal and an assist, along with 17 penalty minutes, in six pre-season games with Florida last fall.

Gudbranson played for Kingston in the OHL last season, finishing with 12 goals, 22 assists and 105 penalty minutes in 44 games.

He also played for Canada at the world junior championship this year, helping win a silver medal.