Kamloops native John Ludvig has signed a three-year, NHL entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers.

A third round pick of the Panthers in the 2019 NHL Draft, Ludvig put up a career best 62 points (17 goals and 45 assists) in 60 games with the Portland Winterhawks in the 2019-20 WHL season.

The 19-year-old Winterhawks captain finished third among all WHL defensemen in points and assists, and fourth in goals.

“John had an outstanding season for Portland in the Western Hockey League and was among the league’s top defensemen,” Panthers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Dale Tallon said. “He is a talented defenseman who possesses great compete, physicality and character.”

“We are excited for John’s continued development and look forward to his future in the Panthers organization.”

Luvdig was born in the Czech Republic, but grew up in Kamloops. He spent one season with the Kamloops Storm in the KIJHL before spending three seasons with the Winterhawks, putting up 87 points (24 goals and 63 assists) in 169 regular season games.

He still has one more year of eligibility in the WHL, but is expected to turn pro within the Panthers organization.