Josh McFadden signs contract with Panthers

The Sudbury Wolves graduate defenceman Josh McFadden has signed a three-year NHL/AHL contract with the Florida Panthers.

Panthers’ general manager Dale Tallon said he was impressed with McFadden’s offensive skill and his improved defensive play while attending the Florida Panthers’ rookie camp last week.

The 21-year-old Guelph native was acquired by the Wolves in November 2009 from the Mississauga Majors in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. McFadden went on to finish third in scoring among OHL defencemen during the 2010-11 season.

He rejected a minor league deal last season and elected to return to the Wolves for his fourth and final year in the OHL. Despite a number of injuries this year, McFadden led the Wolves in scoring amongst defencemen with 15 goals and 26 assists in just 47 games. He scored eight power play goals and two short-handed goals this season, finishing with a +3 rating.

“I would like to thank the Wolves’ organization for believing in me and, specifically, coaches Trent and Jeff for developing my defensive game,” McFadden said in a press release. “Sudbury gave me a chance to play and develop and I cannot say enough about my time spent in Sudbury and playing for the Wolves’ organization.

"Playing professional hockey has always been my goal and to see it finally happen is a dream come true. I’m pretty excited right now and I can hardly wait to get started with the Panthers.”

McFadden is yet another example of undrafted OHL players that have signed a professional contract through hard work, perseverance and key on-ice performances when presented with the opportunity at NHL try-out camps, the press release stated.

McFadden's younger brother, Zach, will be attending the Wolves' main tryout camp in September.
 

Posted by Laurel Myers