The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman John Ludvig to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Ludvig, a 19-year-old from the Czech Republic, appeared in 60 games with the Western Hockey League’s Portland Winterhawks, amassing 17 goals and 62 points after producing 18 points the season prior. The 6-foot-1, 201-pounder ranked third among all WHL defensemen in points and assists (45), while ranking fourth in goals. Ludvig’s goals, assists and points totals marked WHL career-bests.
Serving in his first season as Portland’s captain, Ludvig, helped lead his club to a 45-11-3-4 record, which was tops in the league before the season was canceled due to the coronavirus.
Ludvig was originally selected by the Panthers in the third round (69th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
His signing comes days after the Cats added fellow defensemen Max Gildon and Alec Rauhauser to the fold.