McFadden Signs

The Sudbury Wolves would like to extend congratulations and best wishes to Wolves’ graduate defenceman JOSH MCFADDEN.   The 21 year-old signed a three year NHL/AHL contract with the FLORIDA PANTHERS on Monday.   Florida Panthers’ GM DALE TALLON was impressed with Josh’s offensive skill and his improved defensive play while attending the Florida Panthers’ rookie camp last week.

The Guelph native was acquired by Wolves in November of 2009 from the Mississauga Majors in exchange for a 5th round draft pick.  McFadden went on to finish 3rd in scoring among OHL defencemen during the 2010-11 season behind RYAN MURPHY and RYAN ELLIS.  McFadden rejected a minor league deal last season and elected to return to the Wolves for his fourth and final season in the OHL.  Despite a number of injuries this year, McFadden led the Wolves in scoring among defencemen with 15 goals, 26 assists for 41 points in just 47 games.  McFadden scored 8 power play goals and 2 short-handed goals this season. McFadden finished the season with a +3 plus/minus rating.

“I would like to thank the Wolves’ organization in believing me and specifically coaches Trent and Jeff for developing my defensive game” notes McFadden.  “Sudbury gave me a chance to play and develop and I cannot say enough about my time spent in Sudbury and playing for the Wolves’ organization.   Playing professional hockey has always been my goal and to see it finally happen is a dream come true. I’m pretty excited right now and I can hardly wait to get started with the Panthers.”

McFadden is yet another example of undrafted OHL players that have signed a professional contract through hard-work, perseverance and key on-ice performances when presented with the opportunity at NHL try-out camps.  The Wolves have another ‘McFadden’ in the system as Josh’s younger brother, ZACH McFADDEN,  also a defenceman, will be attending the Wolves’ main try-out camp in September.

Josh McFadden OHL Statistical Profile: http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/roster/show/id/1333

Award: Sudbury Wolves ‘Defenceman of the Year’ – 2011