The Florida Panthers significantly bolstered their goaltending depth within the organization on Tuesday. They inked a two-year entry-level deal that commences next season with Cooper Black, a towering 6-foot-8 goalie.
According to contract details initially reported by PuckPedia, Black’s contract outlines an NHL salary of 80,000, and a $95,000 signing bonus, which represents the maximum salary and signing bonus.
The 22-year-old excelled at Dartmouth College over the last two seasons and entered the league as an undrafted free agent. This season, he posted a 13-8-8 record in 29 games, boasting a 2.58 goals-against average, .910 save percentage, and secured two shutouts. He was also a finalist for the ECAC Ken Dryden Goaltender of the Year Award.
“Cooper is a talented young goaltender whose exceptional blend of size and athletic ability has enabled him to thrive in college hockey,” expressed Panthers general manager Bill Zito. “We are eagerly anticipating his continued development within our organization.”
Black earned a spot on the 2022-23 ECAC All-Rookie Team the previous season after achieving three shutouts and maintaining a 3.07 GAA across 30 games.
Before joining Dartmouth, Black showcased his talent during his single season with the Nanaimo Clippers in the BCHL, where he boasted a league-leading .924 save percentage.
Cooper Black contributes to the Panthers’ already strong goaltending depth
Black participated in the Panthers’ development camp last summer and will now move to Charlotte to join their American Hockey League affiliate on an amateur tryout contract. He will team up with former Boston College standout Spencer Knight in Charlotte. Knight, aged 22, ranks fifth in the AHL with 23 wins, shares third place with five shutouts, and holds seventh place with a 2.42 GAA.
At the NHL level, the Panthers (47-24-5) are performing well. The 2022-23 Stanley Cup runners-up currently hold second place in the Atlantic Division, with star goalie Sergei Bobrovsky vying for the Vezina Trophy. Bobrovsky is tied for third in the NHL with 33 wins. Meanwhile, his backup, Anthony Stolarz, boasts a 14-7-2 record with a 2.12 GAA and .923 save percentage.
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