Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour speaks after Florida's 4-1 win in Philadelphia on March 24. The Florida Panthers have added another young, talented player to their prospect pool. On Monday, Florida announced they had signed University of Minnesota-Duluth forward Ben Steeves to a two-year entry-level contract. “Ben is a skilled forward who has showcased his goal-scoring ability the last two seasons with the University of Minnesota-Duluth,” Panthers General Manager Bill Zito said in a statement released by the team. “We are excited for him to continue his development within our organization.” Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNjE3OTM2NjIzMjQ4NDky/img_6014.jpg] Steeves’ ELC kicks in at the start of the 2024-25 season. He’s going to get an early start with the Panthers organization though, signing a professional try out with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers, according to the AHL transaction log. Steeves has been on the Panthers radar for several years. The 21-year-old Bedford, New Hampshire native attended Florida's 2022 Development Camp in Coral Springs. He went on to play two seasons with the UMD Bulldogs, leading all skaters in goals and points in both his years with the university. Steeves finishes his collegiate career with 45 goals and 62 points in 72 NCAA games. He was named to the NCHC All-Rookie team last season and the NCHC All-Conference Second Team this year. He's expected to join the Checkers sometime this week. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Ex-Panther Jagr’s missing bobblehead’s have been found! [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/ex-panther-jagrs-missing-bobbleheads-have-been-found] A look at the week ahead in the race for the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/a-look-at-the-week-ahead-in-the-race-for-the-number-1-seed-in-the-eastern-conference] Reinhart and Hyman both hit the 50 goal mark for the first time in their careers Sunday [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/reinhart-and-hyman-both-hit-the-50-goal-mark-for-the-first-time-in-their-careers-on-sunday-] 'It's such an elite class': Sam Reinhart joins Pavel Bure as only Florida Panthers to score 50 goals in a season [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/its-such-an-elite-class-sam-reinhart-joins-pavel-bure-as-only-florida-panthers-to-score-50-goals-in-a-season] Reinhart, Stolarz shine as Panthers win 4-1 in Philadelphia [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/reinhart-stolarz-shine-as-panthers-win-4-1-in-philadelphia] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNjQxMjA5NjI4NzMxMDIz/unnamed.jpg]
