Panthers Sign Defenseman Koistinen to Two-year Contract

The Florida Panthers announced on Wednesday that they have signed defenseman Ville Koistinen to a two-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 38 games last season with the Nashville Predators, Koistinen scored three goals and eight assists for 11 points. At the midway point of last season, Koistinen asked the Predators for a trade because he thought he wasn’t getting enough ice time, but the team could find no takers for the young defenseman. Not a bad signing for the Panthers, as Koistinen has the potential to become a top-four, offensive defenseman in the league. He will likely get plenty of ice time next season as the Panthers continue to rebuild their blueline after the departure of Jay Bouwmeester.