The Florida Panthers cut a trio of forwards on Wednesday morning, but neither of them was rookie Owen Tippett, who remains in training camp with the club.
The Panthers reduced their training camp roster to 29 players by shipping Jayce Hawryluk, Maxim Mamin and Sebastian Repo to the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds.
Tippett, who was the 10th overall pick in last June’s NHL Entry Draft, has done enough to earn a longer look from the team. Has he been good enough to earn a spot on the opening night roster? That remains to be seen.
By rule, the 18-year-old can either play in the NHL or the OHL this season (he’s not eligible to play in the minors). Of course, the Panthers can keep him around for nine regular season games without burning the first year of his entry-level contract.
“I love what I see (from Tippett),” head coach Bob Boughner said late last week, per Steve Goldstein. “You can’t teach his offense...and this team needs to score more goals. He’s got a chance.”
Tippett had a strong season with Mississauga last year, as he put up 44 goals and 75 points in 60 contests. He’s picked up one assist and four shots on goal in two games with Florida during the preseason.
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