Verhaeghe signs 8-year contract with the Panthers

Carter Verhaeghe signed an eight-year contract with the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. Financial details were not disclosed.

The 29-year-old forward, who is in the final season of the three-year contract he signed with Florida on July 28, 2021, could have become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

He found out the deal was made shortly before the Panthers' 6-4 win over the Boston Bruins in the season opener at Amerant Bank Arena.

“I was half dressed and then I went in and they told me it was done,” Verhaeghe said. “I was glad I got it done before the game so I could focus on the game and not have to think about it the whole time.”

Verhaeghe scored 72 points (34 goals, 38 assists) in 76 regular season games last season. He also scored 21 points, including a team-leading 11 goals in 24 Stanley Cup playoff games, helping the Panthers win the Cup for the first time in their history.

“We couldn’t be happier,” said general manager Bill Zito, turning to Verhaeghe. “I would like to thank you on behalf of the organization. And not just for what you do on the ice, but also for the teammate you are.” The person you are. We've had a few conversations during this process and I think it defines what we're saying about our team right now. We live they are blessed to have him.”

Verhaeghe was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round (No. 82) of the 2013 NHL Draft and has recorded 249 points (127 goals, 122 assists) in 330 regular season games for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Panthers. He also has 55 points (26 goals, 29 assists) in 69 playoff games and won the Cup with the Lightning in 2020.

“As an adult, you’re just trying to make it to the NHL and find a spot. And I think being a Florida Panther for so long is a great honor for me,” Verhaeghe said. “To make it even longer, I mean, I'm just so grateful that the organization believed in me, that Bill believed in me and gave me the opportunity a few years ago. We somehow didn't look back. I just appreciate everyone and the way they treated me and I'm so proud to be a Panther for life.

“When I came here I took it day by day. Of course you want to win the Stanley Cup, and that's the goal. It was kind of my goal to come here and build it, but you never know if it's going to come true or what's going to happen. It's crazy that it came true and I couldn't be prouder to do it with this group of people and this organization. I’m so proud to wear the Panther logo for a long time and it wouldn’t be right to wear any other sweater.”

NHL.com independent correspondent George Richards contributed to this report