Panthers Sign Jose Theodore, Scottie Upshall, Ed Jovanovski

The Florida Panthers were very busy in the opening hours of free agency on July 1 by signing goaltender Jose Theodore to a two-year contract worth $3 million and right wing Scottie Upshall and defenseman Ed Jovanovski to four-year contracts worth $14 million and $16.5 million, respectively. Theodore's contract will pay him $1.5 million per season, Upshall's will pay him $3.5 million per season, and Jovanovski will get $4.125 million each year. In 32 games last season with the Minnesota Wild, Theodore posted a 15-11-3 record, one shutout, a 2.71 GAA, and a .916 save percentage. Upshall appeared in 82 games last season with the Phoenix Coyotes and Columbus Blue Jackets, scoring 22 goals and 12 assists for 34 points. In 50 games last season with the Phoenix Coyotes, Jovanovski had five goals and nine assists for 14 points and 39 penalty minutes. These are good signings for the Panthers, as all three players will greatly improve the team at their respective positions. Theodore will bring lots of depth and experience in goal for the team. He has excellent positioning and is very agile and will likely begin the 2011-12 season as Florida's starting goaltender. Upshall will bring lots of experience and offensive skill to the wing, as well as plenty of grit and energy despite being a bit prone to injury. Jovanovski will bring plenty of size, aggression, grit, and veteran depth to the blueline. He will also brings loads of leadership to the rebuilding club. Plus, this will be Jovanovski's second stint with the Panthers, where he previously played from 1995 to 1999, and will likely be welcomed back warmly by the fans.