First-year Florida Panthers standout forward Mike Santorelli – he of 37 points (18 goals, 5 pp) in 71 games – has been offered (though has yet to sign) a two-year contract with the club; numbers have not been publicly discussed. This is a huge step though well-deserved considering his jump from 2 goals-1 assist in 32 previous NHL games with Nashville. Can he sustain it?
As well, the Cats have signed RW Jonathan Hazen of the QMJHL Val d’Or Foreurs (“United Drillers”) to a three-year entry level contract. In his fourth QMJHL season, the 5’11, 170 lb. 20 year-old has 80 points (39 goals) in 61 games. The undrafted native of Val-Belaire, QC will finish out the regular season this weeked. A bit more from Val d’Or here; it’s all in French but the spiffy new LBC Translator 3000 has finally been pushed into early service, rendering the following: “The ‘Drillers are officially pleased to announce Hazen’s signing with the Panthers. Unofficially, as our leading scorer by 28 points, we look forward to an even worse offensive year in 2011-12. Merde on you and your staff, Mr. Tallon.”
Hazen participated in the Dallas Stars‘ June, 2010 development camp.