Panthers sign NCAA forward Kyle Rau to entry-level contract

A move from Minnesota to the south is always a good thing.

That's what's ahead for University of Minnesota forward Kyle Rau, who signed his entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers on Sunday.

"We are very pleased to have agreed to an entry level contract with Kyle," said general manager Dale Tallon. "He played extremely well at the University of Minnesota, leading the Gophers to back-to-back Big Ten regular-season championships and four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. 

"He is another one of our young and talented prospects who is prepared to take the next step in his hockey career."

Selected in the third round of the 2011 NHL Draft, Rau, 22, played 160 games for the University of Minnesota, recording 67 goals and 97 assists.

 Rau will immediately report to San Antonio (AHL) on an amateur tryout.