Panthers sign Hunter St. Martin to three-year, entry-level contract

On Friday, the Florida Panthers announced they have signed forward Hunter St. Martin to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal carries an NHL cap hit of $775,000, with a minor-league salary of $85,000.

St. Martin is in the middle of his third full season with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League. Through eight games, the 19-year-old has scored seven goals and eight points, with a plus/minus of +1. He is currently tied for 13^th in the league in goals.

He is coming his best season with the Tigers, having posted career highs in goals (24), assists (28), points (52) and plus/minus (+14) during the 2023-24 campaign. St. Martin also notched five points in five playoff games.

In 152 career appearances in the WHL, the Edmonton native has scored 39 goals and 43 assists for 82 points, including six points in nine playoff games.

St. Martin was originally taken by the Panthers in the sixth round, 193^rd overall of the 2024 NHL Draft. While he has a noted goal-scoring touch, scouts have liked his ability to create plays with his speed and hands, opening up chances for himself and his teammates. Though he is still young, his play away from the puck has a good foundation for becoming a solid two-way player.

St. Martin is part of an extensive prospect pool in Florida. Along with the likes of Jack Devine, Linus Eriksson and Mikulas Hovorka, including a handful of players with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, such as Mackie Samoskevich and Justin Sourdif, the Panthers have a number of youngsters who have the tools to make an impact with the team in the near future.

The reigning Stanley Cup champions have had a good start to the new season. With a 5-3-1 record, they have the most points among Atlantic Division teams (11), with their .611 winning percentage placing them second behind the Ottawa Senators.

Florida is scheduled to face the New York Islanders on Saturday night.