Panthers Ink C Reinprecht To Three-Year Deal
POSTED: 10:22 am MST June 19,
2009
Sunrise, FL -- (Sports Network) - The Florida Panthers on Friday agreed to terms with center Steven Reinprecht on a three-year contract after acquiring his exclusive negotiating rights from Phoenix in exchange for center Stefan Meyer.The 33-year-old Reinprecht registered 14 goals and 27 assists in 73 games for the Coyotes last season. He would have become an unrestricted free agent this summer. "Steve is a smart, high character, hard working player who fits our club's need for a second line center," said Panthers assistant general manager Randy Sexton. "We are constantly looking to upgrade our team speed and he brings this to our club as part of his skill set. He also possesses an ability to win face-offs, another area our team looked to improve on this off-season. Steve served as an assistant captain in Phoenix and played an important role with Colorado winning the 2001 Stanley Cup. We look forward to the championship attitude and experience he will add to our team." Originally signed by Los Angeles as an undrafted free agent in 2000, the Edmonton, Alberta native has compiled 120 goals and 214 assists in 552 career games with the Kings, Avalanche, Flames and Coyotes. "Steven was a professional individual throughout his time in Phoenix and we wish to thank him for his service to our organization," said Coyotes GM Don Maloney. "However, as a pending unrestricted free agent, we did not intend to re-sign him and we are excited to add a young prospect in Stefan Meyer to our organization." A former second-round pick (55th overall) by the Panthers in 2003, Meyer spent the entire 2008-09 season with Florida's American Hockey League affiliate in Rochester, totaling 18 goals and 40 points in 65 games. He appeared in four NHL games during the '07-08 campaign.
Copyright 2009 Courtesy of The Sports Network.








