Panthers Acquire Mike Santorelli from Predators, Then Sign Him to One-Year Deal

The Florida Panthers have announced that they have acquired center Mike Santorelli from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a conditional fifth round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. A week after the trade was made, the Panthers then announced that they had signed Santorelli to a one-year contract worth $600,000. In 25 games last season with the Predators, he had two goals and one assist for three points. He also appeared in 57 games with Milwaukee of the AHL, scoring 26 goals and 33 assists for 59 points. This is not a bad depth move for the Panthers, as Santorelli has some offensive upside. He is also a decent playmaker and can also play on the wing, making him a versatile player. However, he will likely have to battle for a roster spot at training camp, as the Panthers have lots of promising prospect forwards also looking to make the team for the 2010-11 season.