The Florida Panthers will be bringing at least one player to training camp on a professional tryout.
A big reason why Florida has been such a formidable opponent for NHL teams over the past several seasons has been their depth.
Having competition at different levels of the lineup is healthy, and that’s what the Panthers are hoping continues despite losing several key players to free agency during the summer.
View the original article to see embedded media.
The Cats added a few free agents of their own, including Nate Schmidt, A.J. Greer, Tomas Nosek and Jesper and Adam Boqvist, while maintaining much of the championship core the team has built over the past several seasons.
Florida’s front office also recently signed a professional veteran to join the group and compete for a spot on the Opening Night roster.
Ontario native Matt Luff, who spent the past couple seasons with the Detroit Red Wings organization, will join the Panthers at training camp on a PTO.
The 27-year-old forward has played 106 NHL games spread between the Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings.
Last season, an upper-body injury limited Luff to 26 games with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, where he contributed 10 goals and 18 points in 26 outings.
Overall, Luff has accumulated 15 goals and 12 assists at the NHL level while racking up 67 goals and 163 points in 223 AHL games.
The undrafted native of Oakville, Ontario spent three seasons playing juniors in the OHL before earning a contract with the Kings organization.
He’s known as a finisher with a solid shot and a high motor who’s not afraid to throw his body around and be physical or get into the greasy areas to score goals.
Luff also has a reputation as a glue guy, a great teammate off the ice.
Those sound like qualities that fit in well with what the Panthers ask of their forwards.
Luff has a bit of familiarity with South Florida, having spent some offseason time in the area over the years. He’s expected to arrive in town later this week.
LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS – FLORIDA
Roberto Luongo fills in for beer league team in need of goalie for playoff game
Carter Verhaeghe has consistently provided the Panthers with clutch moments
Panthers players, GM help Miami Dolphins kick off new season
Evan Rodrigues throws out first pitch on Florida Panthers Night at Miami Marlins game
Panthers announce 17 theme nights for home games at Amerant Bank Arena this season
