*Photo from The Hockey Writers*
*Photo from WPLG Local 10*
After buying out the contract of Keith Yandle, the Florida Panthers had some cap space to use. So they extended some good players. The Panthers have extended LW Anthony Duclair and D Gustav Forsling, according to TSN's Pierre Lebrun and Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Both deals have been confirmed by the Panthers.
Duclair's extension is for 3 years and $9 million, with an AAV of $3 million, according to Friedman. Duclair signed a one year deal with the Panthers prior to last season, and was a pending UFA before the extension was announced. In 43 games played, Duclair scored 10 goals and added 22 assists, with a +27 plus/minus in his first season with the Panthers.
Asked about signing his extension, Duclair said "It's awesome. I'm very excited, very happy obviously to be back first of all, and to be back for another three years is just awesome news. I've obviously worked very hard for this and for the organization to give me a chance to come back for another three years is an honor and I'm definitely not going to take it for granted."
After signing with Florida, Duclair finally seemed to find a home with the Panthers, after bouncing around the NHL in his 7 seasons in the league. In that time, Duclair has 89 goals and 105 assists to his name, with a +24 plus/minus in 396 total games. He has suited up for the New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Ottawa Senators.
Forsling's extension is for 3 years and approximately $7.98 million, with a $2.66 million AAV, according to Lebrun. Forsling was a pending RFA. Forsling is likely to be protected by the Panthers in the expansion draft, along with Aaron Ekblad and Mackenzie Weegar on the defense. He was claimed off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes in January.
Panthers GM Bill Zito said "After joining the Panthers in January, Gustav had a career season setting personal records and establishing his defensive game to bolster our blueline. We are looking forward to watching him continue to develop his game with our club."
In his first season with the Panthers, Forsling put up 5 goals and 12 assists, with a +17 plus/minus in 43 games played, with an average TOI of 19:57. In his 4 seasons in the league, Forsling has 13 goals and 31 assists, with an average TOI of 17:49 and a +9 plus/minus in 165 total games, split between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Panthers.
Comments
Post a Comment