The Florida Panthers were one of the busiest teams on July 1st this season. Their biggest move was undoubtedly signing goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, but they also made a few others moves that will help them. Here’s a recap of their day and a quick write-up on each of the new signings.
- Sergei Bobrovsky, G. Bobrovsky was signed to a monster seven-year, $70 million contract ($10 million AAV). In 62 games played for the Columbus Blue Jackets last season, he owned a 2.58 GAA and 0.913 SV%. He also played in ten playoff games for the team, over which he had a 2.41 GAA and 0.925 SV%, which were the best postseason numbers of his career. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Flyers before the 2010-11 season, Bobrovsky owns a 2.46 GAA and 0.919 SV% in 457 career games. The 30-year-old netminder is on his third team in six seasons.
- Anton Stralman, D. Stralman was signed to a three-year contract worth $16.5 million ($5.5 million AAV). In 47 games played for the Tampa Bay Lightning last season, he recorded two goals and 15 assists. He did not play in any of their playoff games. Drafted in the seventh round (216th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Stralman has tallied 47 goals and 195 assists in 749 career NHL games. The 32-year-old defenseman is on his third team in six seasons.
- Noel Acciari, F. Acciari was signed to a three-year contract worth $5 million ($1.67 million AAV). In 72 games played for the Boston Bruins last season, he tallied six goals and eight assists. He added another two goals and two assists in 19 playoff games for the team. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Bruins before the 2015-16 season, Acciari has recorded 18 goals and 13 assists in 180 career NHL games. The 27-year-old center and wing is leaving the only NHL team he has ever played for over his four-season career in the Bruins.
- Brett Connolly, F. Connolly was signed to a four-year contract worth $13 million ($3.25 AAV). In 81 games played for the Washington Capitals last season, he recorded 22 goals and 24 assists. He also played in seven playoff games for the team, adding two goals and zero assists. Drafted sixth overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, Connolly has 79 goals and 76 assists in 427 career NHL games. The 27-year-old right wing is on his fourth team in eight seasons.
This post will be updated later with my thoughts on their day.
Hockey Addict 