FHN Daily: Kevin Connauton is back with the Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers made their first move of the offseason on Tuesday, agreeing to a new contract with veteran defenseman Kevin Connauton.

Connauton came to the Panthers on a tryout deal in training camp and earned a one-year contract.

Although he spent most of the season on the taxi squad, Connauton was a good depth option for the Panthers’ defensive unit and ended up playing in seven games this past season.

Connauton, 31, got another one-year, two-way contract with the Panthers.

With no taxi squad next season, Connauton would be fighting for a depth spot on the 23-man roster or with the AHL Charlotte Checkers.

“Kevin is a veteran defenseman who provided our club with invaluable stability and leadership both on and off the ice,” GM Bill Zito said in a statement. “We’re pleased to have him return to our defensive corps for the 2021-22 season.”

Now, to today’s FHN Daily!

FLORIDA PANTHERS LINKS

In case you missed it, the Panthers broke ground on their new training facility as they’ll renovate War Memorial Auditorium in what is expected to be the team’s first move to the east side of town. (FHN)

— The viral video of the Florida Panthers fan asked to take off his Panthers jersey went viral and led to the Tampa Bay Lightning changing its dress code policy. (FHN)

— Florida Panthers coach Joel Quenneville reflects on the 2021 season and looks ahead at the team’s promising future. (FHN)

— This was a promising season for the Panthers but is time running out on their status as a contender? (Miami Herald)

— Positives to take from the Florida Panthers’ season. (The Hockey News)

— Ranking the best forwards in Round 1. (SportsNet)

AROUND THE NHL

In a surprising move, Andrei Vasilevskiy is a finalist for the Vezina Trophy. (NHL)

— Welcome to the newest part of the National Hockey Now family — hello Detroit! (DHN)

— Ryan Reaves got himself a two-game suspenstion. (VHN)

— Don’t look now, but here come the Islanders. (NYIHN)

— Toronto lost a 3-1 series lead and got bounced by the Canadiens. Changes coming? (SN)

LOCALS ONLY

The Marlins are in Buffalo (seriously) after a rough and damp weekend series in Boston. (MH)

— Brian Flores discusses the conversations he and Tua have had this offseason. (MH)

— Sasha Barkov isn’t the only star in South Florida who can sign a contract extension this summer. So can Jimmy Butler. (MH)

— The Heat season is over. Here are the grades. (Sentinel)