The Florida Panthers have signed another pair of minor league players, inking Jacob MacDonald and Paul Thompson to two-year, two-way contracts. Both should add some much-needed depth to the Springfield Thunderbirds lineup, and even add some injury replacements for the Panthers if necessary.
Thompson, 29, is coming back to the Panthers after one year with the Vegas Golden Knights organization. He played 76 games for the Chicago Wolves, scoring 38 points and wearing an “A” as an alternate captain. The former standout University of New Hampshire player and Hobey Baker finalist, Thompson has been a solid professional minor league player for many years.
MacDonald, 25, represents a little more upside after scoring 20 goals and 55 points from the blue line last season. He’s come out of nowhere on the professional scene, after never really finding much offensive success in college or the low minor leagues. Now, as one the AHL’s most dangerous defensemen he should earn a call-up at some point to see if he can do it at the highest level. It may not be this season, but if he continues to produce for the Thunderbirds there’s no reason to not give him a shot. For a late-bloomer like MacDonald, getting a two-year NHL contract is quite an accomplishment.