SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers Executive Vice President and General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the Panthers have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with defenseman Erik Gudbranson . As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“We are very pleased to have signed Erik,” Tallon said. “He is an important part of our young core who has continued to develop into a reliable, physical presence on our blue line and a strong leader in our locker room.”

The 24-year old Gudbranson recorded nine points (2-7-9) in 64 games with Florida this season and played in all six 2016 Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Panthers. The 6-foot-5, 216-pound native of Ottawa, Ontario has played in 309 NHL games all with Florida, recording 43 points (11-32-43) and 346 penalty minutes.

“I’m very excited for another year with the Panthers,” Gudbranson said. “We took great strides last season as a team and our group can only improve upon the success we had. It’s a great time for the organization and I look forward to getting back on the ice with the team.”

Gudbranson was originally selected by Florida in the first round (third overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft.