Panthers sign D Nathan Paetsch

Multiple outlets are reporting unrestricted free agent defenseman Nathan Paetsch has signed a one-year, one-way deal with the Panthers for $525,000.

Paetsch, who's never played more than 63 games in a single season over five years with Buffalo and Columbus, will join a quickly-bloating Florida defensive corps which now includes Bryan McCabe, Bryan Allen, Dmitry Kulikov, Dennis Wideman, Jason Garrison, potentially Erik Gudbranson, and when the wind blows correctly for Amerks fans, Keaton Ellerby.

Call it strictly a depth signing. Or coverage for an as-yet-incomplete future transaction. Or new assistant coach Gord Murphy's got a thing for him (hence the Blue Jackets connection). In any case, he knows his way around Rochester.

Update: Official release here.

Thanks to Pilchino for the tip.