Panthers GM expects top pick Tippett to compete for roster spot this fall

By the time training camp rolls around for the 2017-2018 season, Florida Panthers rookie Owen Tippett will only be 18 years old, barely old enough to drive his own car to the rink for practice.

However, despite his lack of experience, Tippett will be given the opportunity to make the big club's roster right out of his first-ever NHL training camp.

"I'm thrilled to sign Owen to his first NHL contract," Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said Wednesday, as reported by NHL.com.

"Owen is a natural goal scorer with a bright future and he already possesses NHL-ready size and speed. We're looking forward to watching him compete for a spot on our NHL roster at training camp this fall."

It will be fresh out of the frying pan into the fire for the Peterborough, Ontario native, as the young winger will be counted on by the Panthers to continue his scoring ways. In 60 regular-season games during the 2016-17 season, Tippett racked up 44 goals and 75 points with the Ontario Hockey League's Mississauga Steelheads.

Tippett was drafted by the Panthers with the 10th overall selection in this year's entry draft.