"Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said rookie defenseman Erik Gudbranson would likely stay with the team after his so-called nine-game tryout.

Gudbranson, who is from the Ottawa area, will play his ninth game Thursday night against the Senators at Scotiabank Place.

If the Panthers were to send the 19-year-old back to his junior team in Kingston, Ontario, after Thursday's game the team wouldn't lose the first year of Gudbranson's entry-level contract. If he stays, he can become a free agent a year sooner. The Panthers could still send him back to juniors after his 10th game played, but that rarely happens."