The Panthers continued to reshape their defense Saturday morning by signing Stars free-agent defenseman Jason Demers to a five-year deal worth a reported $22.5 million.
Demers, 28, is the analytics kind of defenseman the revamped scouting staff of the Panthers desire. Demers, a Quebec native, drafted in the seventh round by the Sharks in 2008, has 28 goals and 115 assists in 423 games over 5{ seasons with the Sharks and the last year and a half with Dallas.
"We are excited to sign Jason and we are thrilled that he chose Florida," Panthers general manager Tom Rowe said. "He will play an integral role on our blue line and will help our transition game and special teams. This is another important signing for us this offseason."
Last season Demers notched seven goals and 16 assists in 62 games with the Stars. He played in 13 playoff games for Dallas, recording three assists. He earned a plus-16 ice rating and has a career plus-39.
Since the end of the Panthers' franchise-best 103-point season they have bid farewell to four of their top six defensemen, including Brian Campbell, who signed with the Blackhawks on Friday, Willie Mitchell, who's expected to retire, and Erik Gudbranson and Dmitry Kulikov, who were traded to Vancouver and Buffalo respectively.
Only Alex Petrovic and Aaron Ekblad, who signed a contract extension for a franchise-record $60 million on Friday, remain. They've added Demers, signed Keith Yandle to a $44.45 million contract over seven years and acquired Mark Pysyk in the trade for Kulikov.
Rookie Mike Matheson, who played just three regular-season games before excelling in five playoff games, is expected to be a top-six D-man next season.
Lost in the shuffle Friday was the official signing of blue-chip defensive prospect Ian McCoshen to his three-year entry-level contract at $925,000 per. McCoshen is expected to compete for a top-six spot on the blue line. The Panthers also have veteran defensemen Jakub Kindl and Steve Kampfer under contract next season. They usually keep seven defensemen and 14 forwards on the roster during the season.
