Panthers trying out Damon

Bangor’s Derek Damon, who racked up 111 points (51 goals, 60 assists) in his 160-game University of Maine career, has signed a professional tryout offer with the Florida Panthers.

He will attend a seven-day camp in Toronto for rookies and free agents from Florida, Ottawa and Toronto on Sept. 7. The teams will play each other in addition to having their own practice time.

Damon, a center, played three games for Lowell in the American Hockey League last season following his college season. Lowell was affiliated with the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.

Damon said the Hurricanes offered him an AHL/East Coast Hockey League contract for this season “but I felt this opportunity gives me the best shot of reaching my goal which is to play in the NHL.

“I’m not guaranteed a contract with Florida but if I have a good camp, I should be offered one,” said Damon.

He could earn an invitation to the Panthers’ NHL camp or he could be assigned to Rochester (AHL) or the Florida Everblades (ECHL).

Damon have been living with his brother (Shawn) and family in Clinton, Conn. this summer and has been preparing for the camp. He plays in a pro elite league in Massachusetts, works out with a renowned personal trainer in Connecticut and he skates and does on-ice drills in New York.

“I’ve been training pretty hard this summer. I’m in the best shape of my life,” said the 25-year-old Damon. “My legs need to be a lot stronger and I have to be a more explosive skater. I need to be able to break away from people.”

Florida scout Mike Yandle said he is optimistic Damon can earn a contract.

“He has worked really hard in the off-season. He has a knack for the net and is a good playmaker,” said Yandle. “He has played very well in the elite league, which has a bunch of NHL players in it. I think he can make the Rochester roster. He has to play grittier and battle harder for the puck.”