Eric Staal Signs With Florida Panthers

     The Florida Panthers have signed center Eric Staal to a one-year contract. Staal had a professional tryout offer from the club for the preseason. He joins his brother defenseman Marc Staal on the Panthers roster. 

     Eric Staal will have familiar face on the Florida bench. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice coached Staal during his two stints with the Carolina Hurricanes. 

     Staal did not play in the National Hockey League last season and will participate in his 18th NHL season with the Cats. He won a Stanley Cup championship with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2005-06.