The Florida Panthers have bolstered their roster by signing University of Minnesota-Duluth sophomore, Ben Steeves, to an entry-level contract. Steeves, who was not drafted, will join the Panthers next season. In the meantime, he has inked a professional tryout with the Charlotte Checkers, enabling him to compete in the AHL for the remainder of this season.
At 21 years old, Steeves has been a standout performer for the UMD Bulldogs, leading the team in scoring for the past two seasons with impressive totals of 45 goals and 62 points in 72 games. This season alone, he netted 24 goals. Prior to his time at UMD, Steeves showcased his skills in the USHL with Sioux City for two seasons. His stellar performance at UMD earned him recognition as a two-time all-conference player and a two-time nominee for the Hobey Baker Memorial Trophy.
Despite UMD’s season ending with a loss to the University of Denver, where Jack Devine, a top prospect for Florida, played, Steeves’ talent has caught the attention of the Panthers organization.
