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.
Demers is thrilled to get the season going.
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.
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