Panthers Re-Sign Erik Gudbranson To One-Year Deal
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SUNRISE (CBSMiami) – The Florida Panthers have quickly gotten back to work following the team's first round playoff exit.
After signing 44-year-old star Jaromir Jagr to a one-year extension last week, the Panthers inked another key player on Monday.
The team announced that they have re-signed defenseman Erik Gudbranson to a one-year deal.
Reports have the deal worth $3.5 million.
Erik Gudbranson's one-year extension with #FlaPanthers will pay him $3.5M.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 9, 2016
"We are very pleased to have signed Erik," Panthers executive Dale Tallon said. "He is an important part of our young core who has continued to develop into a reliable, physical presence on our blue line and a strong leader in our locker room."
Florida selected Gudbranson with the third overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft.
The 24-year-old is coming off of his best season in the NHL, refining his rugged, hard-hitting game while working on contributing offensively.
"I'm very excited for another year with the Panthers," Gudbranson said in a statement. "We took great strides last season as a team and our group can only improve upon the success we had. It's a great time for the organization and I look forward to getting back on the ice with the team."
A leader both on and off the ice, many think that Gudbranson is a future captain for the Panthers.
The one-year deal allows Florida some flexibility with other young players who need to be signed.
Vincent Trocheck, 22, is a pending restricted free agent this summer, while Jonathan Huberdeau, 22, and Aaron Ekblad, 20, will be restricted free agents next offseason.
All three are expected to see a pay increase and get multi-year deals.