The Florida Panthers announced today that the club has agreed to terms with forward Noel Acciari on a three-year contract worth $5 million.
General Manager Dale Tallon had this say about the signing:
“Noel is a hard-nosed, reliable, two-way forward who plays the game with an edge. He possesses great character, playoff experience and adds a consistent physical presence to our lineup. We are thrilled to have agreed to terms with Noel and know that he makes our club deeper and harder to play against.”
Last season, Acciari, 27, appeared in a career-high 72 games with the Boston Bruins, producing a career-best 14 points on six goals and eight assists. His 221 hits ranked second on the Bruins and 12th among all NHL forwards. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound native of Johnston, RI, reached the 2019 Stanley Cup Final with the Bruins, recording two goals and four points in 19 postseason games.
He has played in 180 career NHL regular season games for Boston (2015-16 to 2018-19), registering 18 goals and 31 points. Acciari has also appeared in 35 career playoff games, posting seven points (4-3-7).
Undrafted, Acciari, was originally signed by Boston on June 8, 2015. Prior to his professional career, the Providence College alum led his club to the 2014-15 NCAA Championship and was named Hockey East’s best defensive forward. He spent his first two pro seasons splitting time between AHL Providence and the parent Bruins.