Forward Rocco Grimaldi (UND Athletics/Eric Classen)









SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers Executive Vice President and General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has agreed to an entry-level contract with F Rocco Grimaldi.

Grimaldi, 21, most recently led the University of North Dakota to the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals. He was named MVP of the NCAA Midwest Regional after leading UND past both Wisconsin and Ferris State. The Rossmoor, CA native completed the 2013-2014 season placing first among all UND players in goals (17) and assists (22).

“We are very pleased to have reached a contract agreement with Rocco,” said Tallon. “He is a hard working forward who possesses speed along with great vision on the ice. We look forward to his continued growth and development within our organization.”

During his freshman season at UND (2012-2013), Grimaldi was selected to the ALL-WCHA Rookie Team and placed third nationally recording 36 points (13-23-26) in 40 games played. For his career at North Dakota, the forward played in 86 games recording 77 points (31-46-77).

On the international level, Grimaldi won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2013 World Junior Championship, scoring the game-winner in the championship game against Sweden. He also won a gold medal at the 2010 Under-18 World Championship.

Grimaldi was drafted by Florida with their second choice (33rd overall) in the 2011 NHL Draft.

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