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.

"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.

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• NHL