The Panthers still need a lot of help on defense so it’s still too early to tell if Wilson will see any time in Rochester.  I typically don’t do straight press release posts, but I am this evening to get caught up.  The timing of finishing up another project came at the worst time, but now I can dedicate more time to this site.  Amerks fans may remember Wilson from his time playing with the Syracuse Crunch.

SUNRISE, FL – Florida Panthers Assistant General Manager Randy Sexton announced today that club has signed defenseman Clay Wilson to a two-year contract.

“Clay is a versatile and mobile player who was one of the top defensemen in the American Hockey League last season,” said Sexton. “He has played a handful of games in the National Hockey League and understands what it takes to compete at this level and will be given the opportunity to compete for a spot on our team in training camp.”

“The Rochester Americans and Florida Panthers are working together to identify those top-level players to join the Florida Panthers organization. Those players will be given every opportunity to secure a permanent position with the Florida Panthers,” said Amerks VP of Hockey Operations Ted Nolan. “We wish Clay well in training camp. However, if he does arrive in Rochester we feel he would be a great addition to our team.”

Wilson, 26, split last season between the Atlanta Thrashers and the Columbus Blue Jackets, as well as their American Hockey League affiliates in Syracuse and Chicago.  He recorded a career best 45 points (14-31-45) in 70 games with Syracuse and Chicago last year.

Wilson made his NHL debut during the 2007-08 campaign playing for Columbus, appearing in seven games, scoring one goal with one assist. For his career in the NHL, he played in 14 NHL contests with both Columbus and Atlanta registering three points (1-2-3).