The Springfield Thunderbirds have signed unrestricted free agent Blaine Byron to a one-year, AHL contract. Byron, a forward, scored 18 goals and 41 points for the NCAA’s Maine Black Bears last season. As Byron is on an AHL-only deal, he can’t be called up by the Florida Panthers unless he opts out and signs an NHL entry-level contract. By virtue of his deal, the 22-year-old Canadian remains eligible for the Olympics.
In case you missed it, the Panthers were previewed by CBS Sports yesterday. Not a lot of meat in the article, but still worth a look.
The New Jersey Devils signed unrestricted free agent Drew Stafford to a one-year deal worth $800K. Stafford spent last season with the Winnipeg Jets and Boston Bruins, totaling 21 points (8G/13A) in 58 games played.
Today’s Poll:
Who will lead the Panthers in assists this season?
| Aleksander Barkov | 12 |
| Jonathan Huberdeau | 27 |
| Evgeny Dadonov | 3 |
| Vincent Trocheck | 2 |
| Henrik Haapala | 4 |
| Keith Yandle | 4 |
| Radim Vrbata | 0 |
| Other | 0 |