Panthers return Tippett to junior

Owen Tippett has been assigned to the Ontario Hockey League's Mississauga Steelheads, the Florida Panthers announced Monday.

The 10th overall pick in the 2017 draft, Tippett had been vying for a roster spot at Panthers training camp.

Tippett, 19, began last season with Florida, picking up one point in seven appearances. He was reassigned to Mississauga in November, where he finished the year with 75 points in 51 games.

The Panthers also announced that they've released veteran forward Mark Letestu from his professional tryout offer.