Florida Panthers signs another Brilliant forward on Entry-level contract
In Duluth, Minnesota, following a two-year stint with the University of Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team, sophomore forward Ben Steeves has announced his departure from the Bulldogs to ink his entry-level NHL deal with the Florida Panthers, as reported by Matt Wellens of the Duluth News Tribune and Brad Elliot Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald.
Minnesota Duluth sophomore F Ben Steeves expected to sign a free-agent deal with the Florida Panthers. Steeves had back-to-back 20-goal seasons for the Bulldogs.
— Brad Elliott Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) March 24, 2024
Steeves was the top scorer for UMD in the 2023-24 season, leading in both goals (24) and points (34). His 24 goals placed him second in the NCHC (National Collegiate Hockey Conference), along with his six game-winning goals. Moreover, the sophomore forward topped the conference in power-play goals, netting 13.
He became the first Bulldog since Justin Fontaine (2009-2011) to achieve 20 or more goals in consecutive seasons. Over his two seasons at UMD, Steeves recorded 45 goals and 17 assists, totaling 62 points in 72 games.
Signing an NHL entry-level contract could see Steeves joining the Panthers for the rest of their regular season or potentially being assigned to one of their minor league affiliates. The Panthers’ AHL affiliate is the Charlotte Checkers, while their ECHL affiliate is the Florida Everblades.
