Florida Panthers ink two; Anthony Duclair and Gustav Forsling sign new deals

The Florida Panthers bought out veteran Keith Yandle’s contract and re-signed fellow defenseman Gustav Forsling to a three-year deal on Thursday. They also used the savings on his buyout to ink Anthony Duclair for three more years.

Panthers sign Gustav Forsling

Forsling, 25, was a restricted free agent. TSN reported the contract was for $7.98 million, or $2.66 million per season.

Gustav forsling contract
May 20, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling (42) is congratulated after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game three of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Forsling contributed 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 43 games in his first season with the Panthers in 2020-21.

“After joining the Panthers in January, Gustav had a career season setting personal records and establishing his defensive game to bolster our blueline,” Zito said. “We are looking forward to watching him continue to develop his game with our club.”

A fifth-round pick by the Vancouver Canucks in 2014, Forsling has 44 points (13 goals, 31 assists) in 165 games with the Chicago Blackhawks (2016-19) and Panthers.

Panthers sign Anthony Duclair

Duclair, who will turn 26 next month represented himself in negotiations with the Panthers. Terms of the deal are three years at $3 million AAV. The offensive forward had a great first season in Florida recording 32 points in 43 games. He also led the team with a career-high +27 rating.

“Anthony brought great speed and skill to our club this season,” Zito said in a team release. “We look forward to seeing him continue to be a creative playmaker for us on the ice and a valuable member of our community. We are thrilled to have him as a part of the Panthers family for years to come.”

He was originally a third round draft pick in 2013 by the New York Rangers (80th overall). He spent the previous season with Ottawa Senators and signed with the Panthers in 2020.

–Field Level Media contributed to this report

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