Panthers sign Boston College junior blueliner Matheson

Boston College junior captain Michael Matheson will not return in 2015-16, choosing to sign with the Florida Panthers on Wednesday (photo: Melissa Wade).

Boston College junior defenseman Michael Matheson will forego his senior season of eligibility after signing an entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.

Matheson will report to San Antonio of the American Hockey League on an amateur tryout.

“Michael was a true Eagle, a great representative of our program,” BC coach Jerry York said in a statement. “He was a tremendous captain and leader for our team and we all wish him luck in his future career.”

Matheson was drafted in the first round (23rd overall) in the 2012 NHL draft.

Matheson, who captained the Eagles this past season, played in 112 games for Boston College, logging 14 goals and 57 assists for 71 points, including three goals and 22 assists for 25 points in 38 games this season.

In all three years at Boston College, Matheson was the Eagles’ leading scoring defenseman.