Panthers sign 2012 first-round pick Mike Matheson

SUNRISE, Fla. -- The Florida Panthers have signed Boston College defenseman Michael Matheson to an entry-level contract, the team announced Wednesday.

"Michael is a talented, young, mobile, hard-working defenseman who we are pleased to have signed," Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said in a release. "Since being selected in the first round of the NHL draft in 2012, Michael has led Boston College to three consecutive NCAA appearances, while also serving as the team's captain this past season. He is another one of our top prospects who will continue to develop his game playing while playing in the American Hockey League."

Matheson, 21, led all Boston College defensemen in scoring as a junior this past season, recording 25 points in 38 games played. One of the NCAA's top talents since his arrival on campus, he was named to the Hockey East rookie team in his freshman year and was an AHCA All-American last season.

A first-round pick, 23rd overall, of the Panthers in the 2012 NHL Draft, Matheson registered 14 goals and 71 points in 112 collegiate contests with the Eagles.

He will report to San Antonio (AHL) on an amateur try-out.

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