Florida Panthers‘ 1st round pick in the 2012 draft (#23 overall) rookie defenseman Michael Matheson(56) was recalled on an emergency basis at the end of the regular season, skated his third game and stuck around for the beginning of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
He was a healthy scratch for the opening game of the series but inserted into the lineup after the team dropped game 1.
Over two postseason match-ups 6’2″ 192 lbs. blue liner has already seen increased ice time (up to 17:22 with :32 on the power play in game 3), has 1 shot on net, 3 breakups, 1 giveaway and 1 takeaway with a +2 rating in a win and a loss.
Playing a steady, almost unassuming style game he has been solid with affiliate Portland Pirates in his first year with 8 goals, 12 assists in 54 AHL games with a +10 rating.
This continues what he started in three campaigns at Boston College, where he was just about a 20 assist per season guy before turning pro.
The 22-year old is signed to a three year entry level deal through 2018 and will be competing for a full-time spot for his sophomore run.