The Florida Panthers, new NHL affiliate of the AHL’s Portland Pirates, have announced the signing of forward Chase Balisy to an entry-level contract.
Balisy, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound left wing from Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., began his pro career in 2014-15 with the AHL’s St. John’s IceCaps. In 73 games, Balisy ranked second on the team and tied for ninth among all league rookies with 44 points, including a team-high 21 goals.
Originally drafted in the sixth Round (170th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by Nashville, Balisy played four seasons at Western Michigan University, serving as captain in his senior season (2013-14). At Western Michigan, Balisy played in 161 games, scoring 49 goals and 80 assists for 129 points.
Prior to that, Balisy spent two seasons in the U.S. National Team Development Program.
