"The Panthers signed forward Jonathan Huberdeau, the third pick of the 2011 entry draft pick, to a three-year entry-level contract Monday.

However, Huberdeau, 18, who had an outstanding rookie camp and preseason, isn't eligible to play for the Panthers until his junior season with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is over, or if an emergency situation arises. The Sea Dogs season ends on March 17. However, Huberdeau led them to the Memorial Cup title that didn't end until May 29. An NHL spokesman said the only way that Huberdeau could come up earlier in the regular season is if the Panthers sustain injuries to three forwards. In that case, Huberdeau would have to be the third forward called up from the minors or juniors."