Carter Verhaeghe has signed an 8-year extension with Florida Panthers.

Once again, let’s set aside our own prejudices. Let’s remember this is all for our benefit and use this time wisely. Florida Panthers management continues their excellent job of locking down core players. After defeating Boston 6-4 on Opening Night at Amerant Bank Arena on Tuesday, Florida announced they have signed forward Carter Verhaeghe to an eight-year extension contract. THN Florida reports the deal is valued at $56 Million with an AAV (annualized annual value) of approximately $7 Million per season. Click through for embedded media. Bill Zito of the Panthers General Manager was quite happy about reaching an eight-year contract agreement with Carter after Tuesday night’s game, then turned around and addressed Verhaeghe who stood nearby before sharing some kind words about their newly extended Cats sniper. “On behalf of both myself and our organization, I want to extend a sincere thank you. Not just for what you’ve accomplished on the ice but what kind of person he is; this man embodies all aspects of what it means to be Florida Panther.” “Carter represents everything that our team stands for; all the accolades attributed to them come true each and every day; we feel very fortunate and blessed that he’s part of our lives!” “Verhaeghe is currently playing out the final year of his contract and will now remain under Panthers’control until 2022-23 season.He joins Sasha Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart,Gus Forsling and Anton Lundell as players signed through at least 2020-21 season.” “These guys have become my brothers, and it feels amazing being part of such an impressive core that won last season,” Verhaeghe reflected on. “Every day our friendships grow stronger together; I feel proud being part of such an outstanding organization as Panther Football.” Verhaeghe said he finalized the deal moments before Tuesday’s game by wearing his hockey gear as he put pen to paper.” “I was halfway dressed when I went in, and they told me it was done,” Verhaeghe recalls. Throughout his five seasons with the Panthers, Verhaeghe has established himself as one of the league’s premier clutch players; often coming through during crucial third periods or overtime periods during regular season games or playoff series playoff series finals and even Stanley Cup Final. Now he will continue growing roots here knowing it may well become permanent residence. Verhaeghe will turn 37 when his contract concludes and credits it as capping off an impressive summer: “It has been an awesome few months,” he noted. “Since winning the Stanley Cup, getting married, signing my contract renewal and receiving my rings last night; life has been amazing and I feel incredibly thankful and proud of what has transpired for me and I could not be any luckier or happier with life! ” Florida Panthers raise Stanley Cup banner before defeating Boston Bruins 6-4 on Opening NightFlorida Panthers season tickets are completely sold-out for first time ever in franchise historyFlorida Panthers release 22-man Opening Night roster, including several surprisesFlorida Panthers celebrate winning Stanley Cup Championship rings during private event held in Fort Lauderdale