The Florida Panthers and pending unrestricted free-agent defenceman Keith Yandle agreed to terms on a seven-year, $44.45 million contract late Wednesday night.

"We are thrilled to have signed Keith to a multi-year contract," Rowe said. "He is a highly skilled and experienced defenseman who will be a tremendous asset on our blueline and in our dressing room. We look forward to Keith's contributions to our team both on the ice and in the South Florida community."

The Panthers acquired Yandle from the New York Rangers earlier this week for a 2016 sixth-round draft pick and a conditional 2017 fourth-round selection. The veteran defender was slated to become a free-agent on July 1 if not signed to a contract.  

George Richards of the Miami Herald spoke to Panthers co-owner Doug Cifu shortly after the deal was agreed upon.

"We're thrilled," said Cifu. "This shows that top players want to win in Florida. Keith wants to win the Stanley Cup in Florida. That's why we were his top priority and vice versa."

The 29-year-old scored five goals and added 42 assists for 47 points in 82 games this past season with the Rangers. He added one goal in the Rangers’ five-game opening-round loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Drafted 105th overall by the then Phoenix Coyotes in 2005, Yandle was acquired by the Rangers before the 2015 trade deadline. He is coming off a five-year, $26.5 million deal he signed with the Coyotes in 2011.

The Boston, Mass. native has scored 72 goals and 297 assists for 369 points in 661 regular-season games with the Coyotes (558) and Rangers (103). He has also scored six goals and 31 points in 51 playoff appearances, including a trip to the Western and Eastern Conference finals (2012, 2014).