Panthers ink 8-year contract extension with F Carter Verhaeghe
Promising forward Carter Verhaeghe has inked an eight-year deal with the Florida Panthers, securing his spot on the team until the 2032-33 season.
Although the specific terms of the contract were not disclosed, Spotrac reports that it is worth $56 million.
Verhaeghe, who is 29 years old, will play the upcoming season on the final year of his current three-year, $12.5 million contract that he signed in July 2021. He could have become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
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The contract was finalized on Tuesday night, just before the Panthers defeated the Boston Bruins 6-4 in their season opener.
\"We are thrilled with this agreement,\" said general manager Bill Zito to Verhaeghe. \"On behalf of the organization, I want to thank you. This is not just for your on-ice performance, but also for the type of teammate and person you are. We had several discussions throughout this process, and it is clear that you are a true Florida Panther.\"
Verhaeghe has been with the Panthers for five seasons, after spending his rookie year with his hometown team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, who drafted him in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft.
Throughout his career, Verhaeghe has recorded 249 points (127 goals, 122 assists) in 330 regular-season games.
As a two-time Stanley Cup champion, he has also contributed 26 goals and 29 assists (55 points) in 69 playoff games.
Last season, Verhaeghe played a crucial role in the Panthers' Cup victory, scoring 72 points (34 goals, 38 assists) in 76 games. He also had seven game-winning goals.
\"Of course, winning the Stanley Cup is the ultimate goal,\" he said. \"It was my goal to come here and help build a winning team, but you never know if it will actually happen or what will transpire. It's amazing that it has come true, and to do it with this group of guys and this organization, I couldn't be prouder. I am honored to wear the Panther logo for many years to come, and it wouldn't feel right to wear any other jersey.\"
