University of Minnesota F Kyle Rau Inks Long-Awaited ELC With Florida Panthers

Another member of the Florida Panthers’ top-notch prospect pool has decided to jump into the professional ranks, as Kyle Rau signed a entry-level contract with the club Sunday morning. More from FloridaPanthers.com:

"“We are very pleased to have agreed to an entry level contract with Kyle,” said Tallon. “He played extremely well at the University of Minnesota, leading the Gophers to back-to-back Big Ten regular-season championships and four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. He is another one of our young and talented prospects who is prepared to take the next step in his hockey career.”Rau, 22, played in 160 games for the University of Minnesota (2011-2015), recording 164 points (67-97—164).This season, the senior forward served as team captain and recorded 41 points (20-21—41) in 39 games played, while becoming the first player to reach the 150-point mark with Minnesota since Troy Riddle in 2004.Rau represented the United States at the 2012 World Junior Championship, recording five points (3-2—5) in six games.The Eden Prairie, Minnesota native was selected by Florida in the third round (91st overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft. Rau was named Minnesota Mr. Hockey in 2011."

The Panthers have had a good track record with former Minnesota Mr. Hockey’s so far, as the Panthers young center Nick Bjugstad was given the same honor as he was taken in the first round (19th overall) and has been a force to be reckoned with for the big club. In fact, Bjugstad even played two seasons with Kyle Rau as a member of the Golden Gophers as they both played on Minnesota’s top line.

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Kyle Rau chimed in with a few quotes following the signing, via GopherSports.com:

"“Playing for the Gophers meant the world to me, and I’m very proud of all the things we accomplished as a class and as a team during my four years here,” Rau said. “It’s an honor and a privilege to play at Minnesota and to be a captain here, and I really appreciate the opportunity I had to play with the best teammates in the country in front of the best fans in college hockey.”"

Don Lucia, the head coach of the Golden Gophers, also gave his thoughts to GopherSports.com following the signing:

"“Kyle Rau is the kind of player you want leading your program — a fierce competitor on the ice and a hard worker off it it,” Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said. “He and the senior class had an incredible run over their four years here. That’s something to be very proud of, and we certainly thank Kyle for his four years here and wish him the best at the next level.”"

It’s hard not to get excited about Rau finally signing with the Panthers when you look at his stat sheet throughout his time with the Golden Gophers over four seasons.

As you can see, the forward attributed 164 points over 160 games at the University of Minnesota in the 160 games that he played in. Those numbers are very impressive. His latest season, in which he served as captain of the Golden Gophers, was probably his strongest season, as he finished the season with 14 goals and 41 points in 39 games. His plus-minus of +15 shows how defensively sound he is in addition to his offensive game.

Kyle Rau was also the winner of the 2014 Henry Williams Legacy Scholar Athlete Award Recipient, which is given “to honor student-athletes who exemplify the core values of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletics. An honoree must be on a full or partial scholarship, preferably in their senior year, and on track to graduate” (GoldenGopherFund.com).

The forward will likely have to add some extra weight onto his 5’8 frame before he can step into the NHL. Although Calgary’s Johnny Gaudreau has found success this season while playing with his 5’9, 150lb frame, it is certainly not the most ideal situation for a player to play with in the NHL with players that are a lot stronger than in the NCAA.

Kyle Rau will report to the Panthers’ AHL team, the San Antonio Rampage, for the remainder of the season.

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University of Minnesota F Kyle Rau Inks Long-Awaited ELC With Florida Panthers

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