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Florida Panthers sign Rodrigo Abols to entry-level contract

The Florida Panthers have agreed to terms with forward Rodrigo Abols on a two-year, entry-level contract.

The 23-year-old Latvian appeared in 45 games with Orebro HK of the Swedish Hockey League, recording 26 points (18G/8A) during the 2018-19 season. The 6-foot-4, 205-pounder has represented Latvia at the IIHF World Championship four times, including the 2019 World Championship.

In his career in North America, Abols played parts of two seasons (2015-16 to 2016-17) with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League registering 50 points (20G/30A) in 64 total games and appeared in 52 games with Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (2016-17), producing 50 points (18G/32A).

He was originally selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the seventh round (184th overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

According to Elite Prospects

Abols is a gritty, hard-working forward with a large frame. An agile skater for his size and is starting to work explosiveness into his game. Smart with and without the puck, and exhibits strength at both ends of the ice. Not the most physical player, but that side of his game will come naturally as he develops more bullish instincts. Loves to battle and works hard to win puck possession on open ice, along the boards, and in the corners. All-in-all, a sizeable forward who has the raw tools it takes to become an effective producer as he elevates his game.

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