After an impressive college career, Jack Devine is turning pro. The Panthers announced that they have signed the winger to a three-year, entry-level contract. Financial terms were not disclosed. GM Bill Zito released the following statement:
Jack is an agile skater with high-end offensive talent who has excelled throughout his collegiate hockey career over the past four seasons with the University of Denver. We are thrilled for Jack to join the Florida Panthers organization.
The 21-year-old was a seventh-round pick in 2022, going 221st overall after playing his freshman season at the University of Denver that saw him record 19 points in 31 games. It’s fair to say that he has significantly outperformed that selection already.
After upping his point total to 31 in his sophomore year, Devine found another gear offensively last season. In 44 games for the Pioneers, he notched 27 goals and 29 assists, leading Denver and all of Division I in scoring while helping lead Denver to the NCAA title. This season, he showed that the uptick wasn’t a one-off as he collected 13 goals and 44 helpers in 44 games, once again leading all of Division I in points. Overall, his four-year college career ends with him averaging just over a point per game with 163 points in 162 games.
While Devine won’t be able to play for Florida down the stretch, he will be able to make his professional debut. While not announced by the team, he has signed with Florida’s AHL affiliate in Charlotte, per the AHL’s transactions log. The Checkers have already locked up a playoff spot so it might not take long for Devine to see game action with them. A good showing with them could help Devine get on the NHL radar for next season with the Panthers likely needing some low-cost forwards to round out their roster, especially if they re-sign or replace pending UFAs Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad.