Panthers Sign Tomas Kopecky to Four-Year Contract

Just days after acquiring right wing Tomas Kopecky from the Chicago Blackhawks, the Florida Panthers have signed him to a four-year contract worth $12 million. The deal will pay him $3 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 81 games last season with the Blackhawks, he had 15 goals and 27 assists for 42 points. He has won two Stanley Cups thus far in his career, one with Detroit in 2008 and one with Chicago in 2010. Not a bad signing for the Panthers, as Kopecky will bring plenty of offensive depth, two-way skill, and grit to the forward lines. $3 million seems a bit much for him given his skill level, but the Panthers are still approximately $23 million below the salary cap floor, so they've got to continue to add some salary to their team.