Panthers send Jason Demers to Coyotes for Jamie McGinn

The Florida Panthers have sent defenseman Jason Demers to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for left winger Jamie McGinn. Florida will retain 12.5% ($562,500) of Demers' salary over the next four seasons.

“Jamie brings size, skill and grit to our lineup and makes us a tougher team to play against,” said General Manager Dale Tallon. “He’s played in over 500 NHL games and possesses a strong game on both sides of the puck. Jamie will be a welcome addition to our club as we move forward through training camp and into the season.”

The 29-year-old McGinn, 29, recorded 17 points (9-G/8A) in 72 games with the Coyotes during the 2016-17 season. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound native of Fergus, Ontario, was originally selected by San Jose Sharks in the second round (36th overall) of the 2006 NHL Draft and has amassed 184 points (100G/84A) in 522 NHL games for Arizona (2016-17), Anaheim (2016), Buffalo (2015-16), Colorado (2012-2015) and San Jose (2008-12).

Jason Demers stint in Sunrise lasted just one season after the defenseman signed a five-year deal with the Panthers last summer.

The 29-year-old blueliner played in 81 games during the 2016-17 campaign and produced 9 goals and 28 points.

Demers nixed a deal earlier in the offseason which would have sent him to the Vancouver Canucks. Apparently he found Arizona to be more to his liking.