Nelson native Dryden Hunt is poised to sign a contract with the Florida Panthers.
Hunt has been having a breakout year in the WHL with the Moose Jaw Warriors. The 20-year-old forward has a league-leading 49 goals through 62 games. His 99 points are good for second overall in the league.
Hunt, who confirmed the deal with the Panthers to the Star on Saturday, was previously overlooked by NHL teams during his draft-eligible years.
The six-foot, 201-pounder has 108 goals and 124 assists in 259 career WHL games. Hunt made his debut with the Regina Pats in the 2011-12 season. He stayed with the Pats until he was traded in the 2014-15 season to the Medicine Hat Tigers.