Panthers sign Erik Gudbranson to a 2-year contract

The Florida Panthers locked up an important piece of their future on Thursday, signing defenseman Erik Gudbranson to a two-year contract.

“Erik is an important part of our young core of talented players who we are pleased to have signed,” Panthers general manager Dale Tallon told the team's official website. “He is a big, strong and physical defenseman who is one of the building blocks for our team. We look forward to his continued development and his contributions to the South Florida community.”

The Panthers first pick (third overall) in the 2010 draft, Gudbranson, 22, has five goals and 21 points in 169 career games.