"For the second straight preseason, the Panthers' decision-makers are faced with signing their first-round draft pick or sending him back to junior hockey for further development.

Last year, they couldn't come to terms with third overall pick Erik Gudbranson and he grudgingly returned to the Kingston Frontenacs, where he took out his frustrations on younger, smaller teens.

Now it's Jonathan Huberdeau's turn. Like Gudbranson, Huberdeau, 18, has made the decision difficult by having an outstanding preseason in which he led the Panthers with three goals, all coming on the power play, which was ranked 30th last season.

The Panthers have until 5 p.m. Tuesday to sign Huberdeau to his entry-level contract or return him to the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to defend his Memorial Cup title."