Florida Panthers Sign Defenseman Brady Keeper to a Two-Year Contract
The Florida Panthers beefed up their defensive depth by signing Canadian Brady Keeper to a two-year, entry-level contract.
On Monday, Mar. 18, the Florida Panthers announced that the club had reached an agreement with defenseman Brady Keeper on a two-year, entry-level contract, worth $925K annually.
Keeper, who’s currently 22 years of age, played his hockey at the University of the Maine (NCAA). In his first season with the Black Bears (2017-18), Keeper recorded a strong offensive slashline of 6G, 16A, for 22 points in 37 games.
The following season (this year), he matched that exact production in one less game played. Keeper is heavily known for his involvement in the offensive end, serving like an additional forward while on the ice.
In addition to his offensive upside, Keeper is also a reliable defender who isn’t afraid to throw a hit and separate his opponent from the puck. He prides himself on a tidy, two-way game, which Panthers GM Dale Tallon had this to say about the youngster:
"“Brady is a promising puck-moving defenseman who possesses strong offensive instincts and plays a physical game. He has been a leader for the University of Maine and found success as one of the team’s top defenders. We are excited for Brady to join the Panthers.”"
Keeper also took part in 161 games with the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Blizzard (MJHL), tallying 133 points (52G & 81A) in the span of four seasons (2013-14 to 2016-17).
In result of his fantastic play during the 2016-17 campaign, Keeper was selected as the league’s top defenseman and most valuable player.
The signing may have come late in the season, but the Panthers did a great job snatching up the young talent to add to their defensive core.
Now that Keeper has arrived in Dallas to meet his new teammates, it looks like Dale is ready to give the Canadian native a chance to shine on the big stage.
Next. Recent Results Were Needed at the Start of the Season. dark
Whether Brady Keeper remains in the big leagues for an extensive amount of time or not, he joins some talented youngsters within the farm and prospect pipelines.