Panthers sign UFA defenseman Dennis Seidenberg

TSN announced this morning that Florida has inked free agent Dennis Seidenberg to a one-year, $2.25M deal, squeaking it through just in time for the exhibition season. The former Philadelphi sixth-round pick spent the past two-plus seasons with Carolina, recording career-highs in goals (5), assists (25), points (30), ppg (2), ppa (9), gp (70), pim (37), and shots (129). Guess we can safely call it a career year. He previously played alongside current Cats Keith Ballard and Steve Reinprecht with Phoenix, and Cory Stillman in Raleigh.

And his #4 is so far available.

A lock for top-six placement, Seidenberg's appearance almost certainly negates the need for a Christian Backman and likely Martin Skoula as well. The defense is now shaping up as such:

• Keith Ballard
• Bryan McCabe
• Bryan Allen
• Ville Koistinen
• Dennis Seidenberg
• Jordan Leopold

If not spectacular, it's definitely got potential, and regardless of your thoughts on departed Jay Bouwmeester, Nick Boynton, Jassen Cullimore, or Karlis Skrastins, this is a respectable clan. Not in an explosive-scoring style, but responsible in their own end and able to move the puck quickly for the all-important breakout pass so vital to Pete DeBoer's offensive strategy.

Who's in line for the seventh spot? This signing puts a dent in the plans of more than one hopeful: Keaton Ellerby, Jason Garrison, and Dmitry Kulikov just found their climb up the ladder had a new rung installed above them.

Welcome to the party, Dennis.

Thanks to Evan at Facebook for the tip.

Like the signing?