Panthers, Jason Demers agree to 5-year deal worth reported $22.5M
The Florida Panthers have signed free-agent defenseman Jason Demers to a five-year contract, the team announced Saturday.
The deal's worth a reported $22.5 million, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.
#panthers Jason Demers: 16-17 $5.5M, 17-18 $5.4M, 18-19 $4.4M$, 19-20 $3.6M, 20-21 $3.6M
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) July 3, 2016
Demers is thrilled to get the season going.
I would like to thank .@DallasStars for everything they have done for me these past few years. I cherished my time with all the guys
— jason demers (@jasondemers5) July 2, 2016
On that note so stoked to start up with .@FlaPanthers can't wait to get going the year can't come quick enough! #floridapanthers
— jason demers (@jasondemers5) July 2, 2016
After not signing July 1, Demers was at the top of the list for available free agents, and joins a budding defensive corps that's added Keith Yandle and retained youngster Aaron Ekblad long term.
The 28-year-old spent last season with the Dallas Stars, notching a career-high 23 points in 62 contests, while posting strong possession numbers.
Demers is also a right-handed shot, and an increasingly valuable and sought-after asset for blue-liners around the league. He should slot in what's looking like a formidable top four in Florida.