Panthers Sign Huberdeau To 2-Year Deal On First Day Of Training Camp
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
SUNRISE (CBSMiami) – A big concern for the Florida Panthers as the team opens its 2015 Training Camp was the contract status of young sniper Jonathan Huberdeau.
The former Calder Trophy winner as the NHL's Rookie of the Year has played three seasons in the league, all with the Panthers.
While there was worry that Huberdeau, a restricted free agent, wouldn't be signed in time for training camp, it seems that point is now moot.
The Panthers announced on Thursday morning they have signed Huberdeau to a two-year contract. There are multiple reports that the deal is worth $6.5 million.
"Jonathan is a skilled and dynamic young player who will play an important role on our team for the future," said Panthers general manager Dale Tallon. "We want the best players and the best team. It's really starting to come together."
After a strong rookie season in 2012-13, Huberdeau suffered a sophomore slump the following year, which is a common occurrence amongst professional athletes.
Huberdeau bounced back in a big way last season, posting a career high 54 points (15g 49a) in 79 games.
A big part of Huberdeau's success was due to his linemates towards the end of the season. The Panthers acquired veteran superstar Jaromir Jagr at the NHL Trade Deadline and paired him up with Huberdeau and fellow youngster Aleksander Barkov.
The trio flourished almost instantly, becoming one of the league's top lines during the final month of the season.
Huberdeau put up 21 points over the final 20 games of last season while playing with Jagr and Barkov.
The Panthers opened training camp Thursday morning for off-ice evaluations and team meetings. They'll hit the ice collectively for the first time on Friday at 9:45 a.m. before taking part in an intrasquad scrimmage around 11 a.m. at the Florida Panthers Ice Den in Coral Springs.
You can view the full training camp schedule by clicking here. The Panthers training camp roster can be found by clicking here, but as of the time of this writing Huberdeau had not yet been added. Once his signing becomes official, his name will show up on the roster.
The Panthers will face the Philadelphia Flyers in their season opener at the BB&T Center on Saturday, October 10th at 7 p.m. You can hear every game on Sports Radio 560 WQAM, the radio home of the Florida Panthers.
Follow David on Twitter (@DavidDwork)