Report: Panthers sign Yandle to massive new deal.

The Florida Panthers have secured arguably the best possible free agent defenseman that would have been available this summer, and they did it prior to him even reaching free agency.

According to a report from ESPN's Pierre LeBrun the Panthers have signed Yandle to a massive new contract with an average annual value of $6.35 million per season. The contract carries a seven year term making Yandle a member of the Panthers organization for the foreseeable future.

The move makes a lot of sense for both sides, Florida was desperate for a point producing defenseman that could quarterback their power play, and now they have one for the long term. For Yandle, he has made it clear since his time in Arizona that he wants to compete for a championship and the Panthers have demonstrated they are all in since owner Vincent Viola took control of the team, and the big money deal over 7 years probably doesn't hurt either.

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