The Florida Panthers continued their busy week when they signed Reilly Smith to a five-year extension on Sunday.
Smith joins Vincent Trocheck and Aaron Ekblad who agreed to extensions of their own earlier in the week. Florida also signed free agents Jason Demers, James Reimer and Ian McCoshen in recent days.
“Reilly was a key player for our team last season,” said Florida's General Manager Tom Rowe. “He is a valuable contributor to our offense and special teams and is an important part of our talented group of forwards”
The Panthers did not release the terms of the deal per club policy. It has been reported that Smith will earn a total of $25 million in the five years. The contract is slightly front-loaded with the highest salaries coming in the first two years. Smith has one year left on his current contract, and this new one will begin with the 2017-18 season.
In his first season with the Panthers, Smith was highly productive. The forward had 50 points which included 25 goals and 25 assists. The 25-year old was a key reason that Florida reached the playoffs and set a franchise record for wins.
Smith really made his mark when the playoffs got underway. In Florida's six playoff games, Smith had four goals and four assists. Smith led the team in goals, assists, and points in the playoffs. His three consecutive multi-point games also set a franchise playoff record.
Prior to joining the Panthers, Smith spent time in Dallas and Boston. In his five years in the NHL, Smith has 150 points which includes 61 goals.
