Florida Signs Cory Stillman

[Thrillhouse]

SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers General Manager Jacques Martin announced today that the club has agreed to terms with LW Cory Stillman on a three year contract.

“Cory will be a tremendous addition to our team, bringing with him a wealth of character, leadership and playing experience,” said Martin. “He possesses strong offensive abilities, plays responsibly on both ends of the ice and will be an asset to our club on special teams. Cory is a proven winner and we are confident that he will play an integral part in our club’s future success.”

Stillman, 34, has played in 839 National Hockey League contests for Calgary (1994-2001), St. Louis (2001-03), Tampa Bay (2003-04), Carolina (2005-08) and Ottawa (2007-08) scoring 234 goals with 368 assists and 406 PIM. The two-time Stanley Cup Champion (Tampa Bay – 2004 & Carolina – 2006) has appeared in 82 playoff games registering 51 points (19-32-51) with a plus-7 rating. Stillman ranked second in the NHL in playoff scoring in 2006 with 26 points (9-17-26) and became just the sixth player in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup in two consecutive seasons with two different teams.

Stillman had six points (4-2) in five games against the Panthers last season, including a two goal effort on November 12th.

The Peterborough, Ontario native has recorded eight 20-plus goal seasons, along with eight 40-plus point seasons. Throughout his 13-year playing career, he has recorded career highs with 27 goals twice (1997-98 & 1998-99), 55 assists twice (2003-04 & 2005-06) and 80 points (2003-04).

The 6-foot, 190-pound left wing, began last season playing for Carolina, before being traded to Ottawa at the trade deadline, registering 24 goals and 41 assists in 79 games played. He played in four playoff games with the Senators scoring two goals with 15 shots on goal. He was originally drafted by Calgary with their first choice (6th overall) in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft.

[DaleHunter32]

lovely place to retire, right on the beach

[Cat Smasher]

Time to work on his tan, and retirement. At least Florida can trade him at the deadline for a pick.

[moxie]

Damn, Bryan Murray missed the boat on this one... Stillman will be missed up here.

[canuckfan]

Good signing by the Panthers - Stillman can still pump in 20 goals/season and has a couple of Stanley Cup rings. Not a bad price either, actually. He;ll help out with the younger forwards in Florida for sure.

[Snipes19]

I agree. This is a good signing by Florida. Stillman is still a good player who can score over 20 goals on the wing, and Florida needs some offense. He knows how to win a Stanley Cup as he already has a couple rings. For a player like that though, he sure has bounced around from team-to-team it seems like...

[Podollan]

good signing, good price . Good deal panthers.

[paint huffer]

Of the three veterans Ottawa acquired later in the season he may have been my first choice to stay in town. Still, it's not overly disconcerting in my mind. He's a solid pickup for the Cats and he's more than familiar with the Southeasy, so he'll do just fine.

[Isles4life]

Well, Stillman does provide the Panthers with a much needed forward who can put the puck in the net, but I still see Florida as pretty weak offensively after him and Horton.