Panthers Sign Shawn Matthias to Two-Year Contract

The Florida Panthers have announced that they have signed center Shawn Matthias to a two-year contract worth $1.703 million. The deal is two-way for the 2011-12 season and will pay him $803,000 at the NHL level and $62,500 at the AHL level. For the 2012-13 season, the contract is one-way and is worth $900,000. In 51 games last season, he had six goals and 10 assists for 16 points. He missed 27 games late in the season with an ankle injury. Not a bad depth signing for the Panthers, as Matthias has good size, plenty of two-way ability, and some offensive upside. However, given the veteran depth already on the roster, as well as players like Evgeni Dadonov, Ryan Carter, and Tim Kennedy fighting for roster spots, Matthias will likely find himself fighting for a spot on the team at training camp.