The Florida Panthers agreed to terms with their top draft pick, Lawson Crouse, on a three-year, entry-level contract Wednesday.
"We are very pleased to have signed Lawson to an entry-level contract," general manager Dale Tallon said in a statement. "Lawson is a strong, skilled and physically mature forward with good hands, who will provide us with a prominent forechecking presence each night. He was one of our best players in development camp and we are confident he can make an immediate impact on our roster, playing on one of our top lines."
Crouse, who was selected by the Florida Panthers in the first round (11th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft, led the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League in goals (29) and points (51), while playing in 56 games during the past season.