The NHL’s free agency period began on Tuesday. The Florida Panther were busy as they signed four players on day one, Jussi Jokinen, Dave Bolland, Shawn Thornton, and Al Montoya.
Jokinen signed a four-year deal that s worth $16 million. Bolland signed a five-year deal that’s worth $5.5 million, according to the Miami Herald. Thornton has a two-year deal. His deal is worth $1.2 million a season. The terms of Montoya’s deal have not been disclosed.
Jokinen played for the Pittsburgh Penguins last season. He had 21 goals, 36 assists, and 57 points last season. Bolland has played for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Panthers general manager Dale Tallon was with the Blackhawks when Bolland was playing there. This past season he played in just 23 games for the Maple Leafs due to a severed tendon in his left ankle.
“It was an honor to play for the Leafs in front of some of the best fans in hockey. Thank you Toronto. I'm excited about my future in Florida,” Bolland tweeted.
Thornton has played for the Boston Bruins for seven seasons. Last season he had five goals and three assists, according to ESPN. He helped the Bruins reach the Stanley Cup finals twice and has won the Stanley Cup twice.
Montoya is the first Cuban-American to play in the NHL. He has played for the New York Islanders and the Winnipeg Jets. Last season with the Jets he was 13-8-3 with a 2.30 goal-against average. He stopped 92 percent of the shots that were at him.