Bill Zito and the Florida Panthers were very busy on Thursday. Here are some headlines from the busy day:
Keith Yandle’s Contract Is Bought Out
The Florida Panthers bought out the contract of defenseman Keith Yandle on Thursday afternoon. The 34-year-old had two years remaining on his contract.
Yandle has spent the last five seasons with the Panthers, making one All-Star appearance in that span. In 56 games last season, the 34-year-old scored only three goals and 27 points.
Now, the defenseman will be able to sign with any team as an unrestricted free agent on July 28.
Anthony Duclair Re-Signs With Florida
The Florida Panthers are bringing back forward Anthony Duclair on a three-year deal worth $9 million (a salary cap hit of $3 million per season).
In 43 games with the Panthers last season, Duclair scored 10 goals and 32 points. In his career, the 25-year-old has played nearly 400 games with one All-Star appearance.
Gustav Forsling Re-Signs With Florida
The Panthers signed Gustav Forsling to a three-year, $7.98 million deal (an average annual value of $2.66 million).
Last season, Forsling was claimed off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes. The 25-year-old then scored five goals and 17 points in 43 games with the Cats.