Former Blackhawk Kopecky Signs With Panthers For Four Years, $12 Million
(CBS) The Florida Panthers and general manager Dale Tallon acquired Tomas Kopecky's rights from the Chicago Blackhawks during the NHL Entry Draft on June 27. On Wednesday, the Panthers signed him to a four-year contract.
"Tomas is a proven winner who we are pleased to have signed," Tallon told the team's website. "He is a hard working player who is tough to play against, and recorded career highs in both goals and assists last season. He is a versatile player, who can play any forward position, has good vision at both ends of the ice and will immediately make an impact in our line-up."
According to a report by Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos, the deal is worth $12 million.
Kopecky won a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010, signing prior to that season, as well as in 2008, as a member of the Detroit Red Wings.
The Slovakia native recorded 15 goals and 27 assists for the Blackhawks in 2011, he was a second round pick, 38th overall, by the Red Wings in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
In exchange for Kopecky, the Blackhawks received the Panthers seventh round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft.
Tallon and the Panthers also acquired defenseman Brian Campbell from the Blackhawks during this year's draft.
