Panthers Sign Cory Murphy

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Finnish Elite League MVP to Bolster Cats Blueline

SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers General Manager and Head Coach Jacques Martin announced today that the club has agreed to terms on a two-year deal with D Cory Murphy.

“Murphy is a very skilled and talented offensive defenseman who will be a valuable addition to our blue line,” said Martin. “He was an extremely sought after free agent who can handle the puck well and will play a vital role in directing our power play. Murphy fits the mold of the player that our organization strives to acquire, possessing great character both on and off the ice, along with an intense work ethic.”

Murphy, 29, was awarded the 2006-07 Lasse Oksanen–trophy as the Finnish League’s MVP. This season, while playing for HIFK Helsinki, Murphy scored 50 points (13-37-50) in 45 games played and had a stellar rating of plus-17 to lead all defensemen on HIFK. He finished the season just three points short of tying current New Jersey Devils defenseman Brian Rafalski’s mark of 53 points set during the 1998-99 campaign. Panthers Captain Olli Jokinen, along with Rafalski, played for and won a championship with HIFK Helsinki in 1998.

The Kanata, Ontario native was an SM-Liiga All-Star during the 2003-04 season when he played for Ilves Tampere, posting 44 points (18-26-44). Murphy also played four seasons with Colgate University (ECAC), scoring 28 goals and 83 assists in his four-year career.