Panthers sign Booth to six-year deal

David Booth, who scored a team-high 31 goals last season and had fans at BankAtlantic Center singing a chorus of 'Booooooooth' every time he touched the puck, signed a six-year deal Wednesday with the Panthers.

Booth, a native of Michigan, had 11 power play goals last season and five game-winners. The fan favorite has increased his offensive numbers every NHL season, going from three goals in 2006-07 to 22 in 2007-08 to his 31 last season.

"We are excited to have reached a contract agreement with David Booth," Sexton said. "David is coming off a career best season and he is undoubtedly an important part of our club's future. Since we drafted David in 2004, he has dedicated himself to improving his skill set each season. Through his hard work, commitment and passion for the game, he has become a role model for other players, as well as a fan favorite. He embodies every attribute of what a true Panthers player stands for and we look forward to his continued contributions within our organization for many years to come."

Booth became just the sixth player in franchise history to score at least 30 goals in one season. He also recorded a career-high and led the team with 246 shots on goal, as well as a career-best 11 power play goals. Booth also became just one of four Panthers players – Pavel Bure, Olli Jokinen and Ray Sheppard – to net two hat tricks in one season, with three-goal games versus St. Louis on March 7 and at Anaheim on Nov. 9. He also posted a career-high eight-game point scoring streak (6-7-13) from Dec. 27-Jan. 10 and notched a career high five points (2-3-5) in the Florida's regular season finale 7-4 win over Washington on Apr. 11.

The Detroit, Mich., native has also been invited to attend the U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Orientation Camp in August. On the international level, Booth has previously competed for Team USA at the World Championships ('07,'08), while also representing his native country at the 2003-04 World Junior Championships.

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