The Florida Panthers have found a replacement for defenseman Jason Garrison, who is an unrestricted free agent.
Filip Kuba has signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Panthers. The terms of the contract come via Twitter from his agent, Rich Evans.
Kuba, 35, had 32 points and was a plus-26 in 73 games with the Ottawa Senators last season. He played most of the season with Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson as his defense partner. Kuba has 323 points in 792 NHL games dating to the 1998-99 season.
“Filip is an experienced player who adds further depth to our blue line,” general manager Dale Tallon said in a statement. “He is a big, strong and responsible, shutdown defenseman who averaged more than 23 minutes of ice time per game last season. We are confident that he will fit very well into our top six and help our power play. We look forward to his contributions to our team.”
Kuba started his career in Florida, but played only 18 games over two seasons before he was traded to the Minnesota Wild. He spent five seasons with the Wild then moved on to play two for the Tampa Bay Lightning before getting traded to Ottawa in the summer of 2008. Kuba spent the past four seasons with the Senators.
He was drafted by the Panthers in 1995 (No. 192).
Florida also added tough guy George Parros on a two-year contract, the team announced. Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com and TSN reported the deal has an average annual value of $925,000.
Parros had one goal and four points in 46 games last season for the Anaheim Ducks, but he is known as one of the League's best with his fists. He has 950 penalty minutes in 413 career NHL games over seven seasons.
"George is a physical player who adds toughness to our lineup," Tallon said. "He is a high-character, hard-working player who is respected throughout the League. We look forward to George's contributions to our club both on and off the ice."
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