Panthers set to give Crouse 9-game audition before deciding on immediate future

The Florida Panthers will give Lawson Crouse at least a taste of NHL hockey this season.

The 18-year-old, drafted 11th overall in June, is expected to make the opening night roster and get a nine-game audition to open the regular season, general manager Dale Tallon indicated Thursday, according to Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel.

All teams are afforded this opportunity with first-year players, with the 10th game serving as the point of no return in terms of burning a year off the player's entry-level contract.

Once the nine-game run is over, then, Tallon will have to decide whether to keep him up with the big club or send him back to the junior ranks.

Crouse recorded 29 goals and 22 assists for the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs in 2014-15, and scored one goal to go along with two assists for Canada at the World Junior Championship.