Davies is having a standout year in the WHL, logging 19 goals and 31 points through 22 games with the Portland Winterhawks

The Florida Panthers have signed one of their young prospects to his first professional deal.

On Thursday, the team announced that they had signed forward Josh Davies to a three-year, entry-level contract.

“Josh is a physical, energetic and talented player who competes with heart and tenacity,” Panthers General Manager Bill Zito said in a statement released by the team. “We are excited to have him continue to develop his game within our system.”

Through 22 games with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks so far this season, Davies has logged 19 goals and 31 points to go with 42 penalty minutes.

It’s quite a jump from last season with the Swift Current Broncos, when Davies scored 20 goals and 34 points in 62 games, while also being called for 131 penalty minutes.

Davies skated in one preseason game with the Panthers earlier this year, registering an assist, two hits, two shots on goal and two penalty minutes in 16:48 of ice time.

After the game, Davies was part of a group of five junior players who were the first to be released from training camp. 

"To get an NHL exhibition game out of junior hockey is a great learning experience for them," Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice said at the time. "They'll come back to camp next year, and some of these guys know they're probably going back to junior again, but it all builds, so that when they come out and turn pro and when they come to our camp, they're looking to make the team."

Davies also played in a game with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers after signing an amateur tryout last March.

The Panthers selected Davies in the sixth round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. 

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