Boston College's Ian McCoshen signs with Florida Panthers

Boston College defenseman Ian McCoshen has signed an entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers, according to the Sun Sentinel.

McCoshen, a 2013 2nd round pick (31st overall) of the Panthers, will forego his final year of college eligibility. He is the sixth player BC player with eligibility remaining to sign a pro contract this offseason.

Wearing an "A" on his sweater, McCoshen had 21 points (5G-16A) in 40 games this season. He found success as the Eagles shared the Hockey East regular season title, won this year's Beanpot and reached the Frozen Four for the 7th time in 11 years. The Fairbault, MN native finishes with 50 points in 117 career games.

SB Nation College Hockey ranked McCoshen as the third-best NHL prospect playing college hockey and highest defenseman. With a ranking like that, it's not hard to see why the Panthers would want to sign him.

From our rankings:

The Wisconsin native has been a steady, if not flashy, defenseman since arriving at The Heights, but he has taken his game to a whole new level this season, especially the last month. He has pro size and skating ability that makes him a consistently reliable shutdown defender.

The offensive side to his game has always been underrated, but his five-game point streak over the last month, including a two goal, two assist night against archrival BU. He has a heavy shot and always skates with his head up to hit streaking forwards for lead passes. He's not the type of defenseman to carry the puck up ice end-to-end, but he makes simple, smart plays in transition. He's not going to be running all over the ice looking for the big hit, but his physical presence allows him to be a force.

If there's one defenseman in the league who could quickly step into an NHL lineup, it's McCoshen. His skating, hockey sense, physical and emotion maturity and reliability make him the unquestioned top defenseman in the league, if not all of NCAA hockey.