The Florida Panthers have inked Boston College defenseman Ian McCoshen to a three-year, entry-level contract, according to a report from the Sun Sentinel.
Cap Friendly reports that the deal carries the maximum $925,000 AAV at the NHL level and $70,000 in the AHL.
The 6-foot-3, 218-pound defenseman was a huge part of BC’s success this season, anchoring their blue line. The alternate captain put up six goals and 21 points through 40 games, helping the Eagles to land a berth in the Frozen Four where they were eliminated before making the championship match.
He also helped the team to a 2016 Beanpot championship.
With the saga that has become Jimmy Vesey’s summer, the Panthers will be glad they got McCoshen locked up prior to the start of what would be his senior season in Boston.
The 2013 2nd round pick (31st overall) is a mobile defenseman with a lot of strength and a good breakout pass. He will be looking to make the opening night roster after a summer of upheaval on the Florida blue line.
Willie Mitchell is expected to retire, they have traded away Erik Gudbranson, Brian Campbell is expected to walk in free agency, rumors are floating that the team could trade Dmitry Kulikov and they made a trade Monday to acquire the rights of Keith Yandle. Not to mention that Michael Matheson was named the best defenseman at the 2016 World Championship in Moscow and looks ready to take on a full-time spot with the team.
It’s going to be a different look for the Cats and McCoshen has a shot of earning some ice time.
Dustin Nelson is the News Editor for The Hockey Writers. He’s a contributor to Hockey Prospectus, Hockey Wilderness, and writes a column for Rotowire. He’s also written for Gone Puck Wild, Wild Xtra, InDigest, Electric Literature, The Rumpus, Tiny Mix Tapes, Prefix Magazine & other publications. Have a tip? Email him at dlukenelson[at]gmail[dot]com.
