Panthers' Reilly Smith: Signs five-year extension with Panthers

Smith signed a five-year contract extension with the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis:

The deal is expected to average $5 million per season. In his first year with the Panthers, Smith played in all 82 games, finishing with a career-high of 25 goals, while also adding 25 assists as well. The 25-year-old also had a very strong showing in the 2015-16 playoffs, notching four goals and four assists over six games, leading the team in total points. Smith has obviously gained the trust of coach Gerard Gallant by the looks of this deal, so he should return to the Panthers as a significant contributor and may even see his role increase in his sixth NHL season.