Boston College Athletics
Matheson Inks Deal with Florida
April 01, 2015 | Men's Hockey
Panthers' release
SUNRISE, Fla. -- Boston College defenseman Michael Matheson will forego his senior season of eligibility after signing an entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, April 1, 2015. Matheson will report to San Antonio (American Hockey League) on an amateur tryout.
"Michael was a true Eagle, a great representative of our program," head coach Jerry York said. "He was a tremendous captain and leader for our team and we all wish him luck in his future career."
The Pointe-Claire, Quebec, native was Boston College's 14th NHL first-round pick in program history (now 15 with Alex Tuch) and at the time, the first BC student-athlete to be drafted by the Panthers' organization. Matheson was drafted 23rd overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Matheson, who captained the Eagles as a junior this past season, played in 112 games for Boston College, logging 14 goals and 57 assists (71 points) along the way. The Canadian blue liner was Boston College's leading career point scorer the entire 2014-15 season.
In his last season as an Eagle, the 6-foot-2 rearguard turned in a 25-point campaign with three goals and 22 assists. Matheson ranked 15th in points per game (0.66) amongst all college defensemen and tied for 52nd in all of college hockey with 0.58 assists per game.
Matheson racked up several accolades during his time on The Heights. As a freshman, Matheson was a unanimous selection for the All-Hockey East Rookie Team and last season, was distinguished as a member of the All-Hockey East First Team. The Panthers' prospect was also honored as a two-time New England Men's Division I All-Star. Most notably, Matheson was a Second-Team All-American as voted on by the American Hockey Coaches Association last year.
In 112 games played, Matheson was a +29 and accrued 153 penalty minutes (64-for-153). As a rookie, he notched six power play goals. Both this year and his first season, Matheson posted 25 points and as a sophomore, notched 22 points.
In all three years at Boston College, Matheson was the Eagles leading scoring defensemen.
