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.

Panthers Acquire Tomas Kopecky from Blackhawks

The Florida Panthers announced on Monday that they have acquired the negotiating rights to right wing Tomas Kopecky from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a seventh round pick in the 2012 or 2013 Entry Draft. The Panthers' seventh round pick in the 2012 draft is currently held by the Nashville Predators as a conditional pick. If the Predators don't meet the conditions for the pick, the Blackhawks will receive it. Otherwise, Chicago will get Florida's seventh round pick in 2013. Kopecky is scheduled to become 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. Not a bad trade for the Panthers, assuming they can sign Kopecky to a contract. If Florida can get him signed, he will bring plenty of two-way skill and grit to the forward lines, as well as a little offensive depth.

Blackhawks Sign Right Wing Kopecky to Two-Year Contract

The Chicago Blackhawks continued to add forward depth to their team on Wednesday by signing right wing Tomas Kopecky to a two-year contract worth $2.4 million. The deal averages out to $1.2 million per season. In 79 games last season with the Detroit Red Wings, Kopecky scored six goals and 13 assists for 19 points. He has appeared in 183 career games, all with Detroit, scoring 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points. He won a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2008. This is an okay signing for the Blackhawks, as Kopecky plays with grit and has some two-way skill. He will likely play on the third or fourth line for the Blackhawks next season.