Panthers land top college UFA Matt Kiersted

The Florida Panthers agreed to a two-year, entry-level contract with defenseman Matt Kiersted, the team announced Thursday.

The North Dakota product was widely considered the top college free agent in this year's class.

"He's a very intelligent puck mover with some skill and runs North Dakota's power play," The Athletic's Corey Pronman wrote. "He's not that big or quick, but neither the size nor the quickness are so detrimental to limit him at higher levels due to the very high IQ. He should be able to defend OK versus pros while making great outlets and offensive plays.

"I could see him as a third-pair defenseman in the NHL."

Kiersted, 22, tallied 22 points in 29 games during his senior year with the Fighting Hawks. He finished as the runner-up to UND teammate Jacob Bernard-Docker for NCHC Defensive Defenseman of the Year.

"Matt is an exciting defenseman who plays the game with great speed and vision," Panthers general manager Bill Zito said. "His steady progression and development from an undrafted player to one of the NCAA's top defensemen is a display of his resiliency and motivation to succeed."

Kiersted is listed at 6-feet and 181 pounds and shoots left.

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