By Scott Roblin

INTERVIEW: MacPherson reflects on Panthers camp, looks ahead to upcoming season

Jul 13, 2018 | 4:06 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The 2017-18 WHL season ended abruptly for Medicine Hat Tigers defenceman Dylan MacPherson, in what was a breakout sophomore campaign for the local product.

Suffering a major knee injury in Game 1 of his first round series against the Brandon Wheat Kings, MacPherson missed the rest of playoffs and was on the mend for eight weeks.

After resting up, the 20-year-old was able to regain his form in time for the most important summer of his hockey career.

Alongside fellow Tigers blueliner Linus Nassen, MacPherson attended Florida Panthers development camp in June in his first taste of experience at the pro level.

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The Redcliff native impressed Panthers brass at the camp enough to invite him back to take part in Florida’s rookie camp in September.

While turning heads at the NHL level, MacPherson is also focusing on returning to the Tigers healthy and motivated to improve on his game.

Playing in 67 games for Medicine Hat last year, he posted career highs in all offensive categories with four goals and 22 assists.

However, MacPherson will be competing for a job this fall as he’s one of seven potential over-age players that’s eligible to return to the Tigers.

He’ll be battling against Nassen, Jaeger White, Ryan Jevne and Dalton Gally for one of three spots, with Mason Shaw and David Quenneville also in the mix if they’re returned to junior.

If Quenneville is able to stick at the pro level, MacPherson could be relied upon to provide some leadership on the blueline with Kristians Rubins also graduating from the team.

CHAT Sports was able to talk to MacPherson about his recovery from injury, attending Panthers camp, and his expectations for the 2018-19 season.