Over the past few weeks, a trio of Cougars Alumni; Justin Danforth, Mason Marchment, and Riley Stillman have signed NHL contracts with their respective clubs. Catch up on what these former Cougs have been up to this season, and where they will be playing next season.

Justin Danforth: Columbus Blue Jackets

Justin signed this season with Vityaz Podolsk in the KHL, posting 55 points (23G, 32A) in 58 games, finishing 6th in league scoring and first among all Canadians in the KHL, his first season in the league. Since heading to Sacred Heart University (NCAA D1) in 2013, after 3 seasons with the Cougars, Justin's pro career began in 2016-2017 when after his senior season with the Pioneers he signed and played 3 games with the Reading Royals of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) and 6 games in the American Hockey League (AHL), split between the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Rochester Americans. 

In 2017-2018 Justin split time between the ECHL and AHL, playing 44 games with the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) and an additional 15 games with the Rochester Americans (AHL). Prior to this year, Justin played the last 2 seasons with Lukko in the Liiga - the highest level pro-league in Finland - posting 112 points (45G, 82A) in 115 total games.

Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen had this to say about Danforth, who is signed to a 1-Year contract with the Blue Jackets for 2021-22, "Justin is a talented, offensive player coming off three outstanding seasons in the KHL and Liiga and we believe he is ready to prove himself in the National Hockey League." 

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Mason Marchment: Florida Panthers

Mason made the Panthers this season out of Training Camp and hasn't looked back, posting 9 points (2G, 7A) in 31 games. Acquired mid-way through last season from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mason has become a full-time NHL player with the Panthers and seized his opportunity with the Cats. 

Since leaving the Cougars in 2014 and signing in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Erie Otters, Marchment signed with the Toronto Marlies at the end of the 2016-17 season, playing 3 games in the AHL after his Mississauga Steelheads were eliminated in the OHL playoffs. The following season Mason split time between the Marlies and their EHL affiliate the Orlando Solar Bears, before becoming a full-time Marlie in 2017-18, posting 26 points (11G, 15A) in 44 games on route to a Calder Cup Championship. After another season in the AHL, Mason earned a call-up with the Toronto Maple Leafs for 4 games, recording his first point - an assist vs the Edmonton Oilers on January 6th - before being traded to the Panthers.

Bill Zito, General Manager of the Panthers, had this to say about Marchment, "Mason has taken full advantage of his opportunity this season and we are pleased to have signed him to a contract extension. In his first full NHL season, he has proven himself to be a versatile forward who provides our team with a combination of size, skill, and character. We are excited for Mason to take the next step in his career with our organization."

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Riley Stillman: Chicago Blackhawks

Riley was drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2016, and over the past two seasons has played 35 NHL games, splitting time between the Panthers and their AHL affiliate the Springfield Falcons. This year Riley made the Panthers and has made the most of his NHL opportunity. 

Signing with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL after playing his underage season in Cobourg, Riley was made an Alternate Captain as a rookie with the Gennys and had a tremendous OHL career, capping it off by winning an OHL Championship with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2018. Playing his first NHL game the following season, Riley posted 17 points (4G, 13A) in 59 games with the Springfield Falcons in his first pro season. 

At this year's trade deadline, Riley was part of a trade that sent him to the Chicago Blackhawks, with whom he recently recorded his first NHL goal (clip here), as well as signed a 3-year contract extension with the Hawks. 

Stan Bowman, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager for the Blackhawks had this to say about Stillman, after signing his extension, "Having a young, physical defenseman like Riley in the fold is exciting for the future of our team. He is growing into an excellent all-around defenseman and that continued development is something we look forward to seeing firsthand. We love his size, and his toughness adds another piece to our defense."

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