Booth, Dvorak agree to terms with Panthers

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SUNRISE, Fla. (The Associated Press) -

The Florida Panthers agreed to a six-year contract extension with David Booth, shortly after the young forward became a restricted free agent on Wednesday.

The deal was announced Wednesday, early in the NHL's free-agent signing season.

In 72 games for the Panthers last season, Booth recorded 31 goals and 29 assists, both career highs. The 24-year-old Michigan native also became the sixth player in franchise history to score at least 30 goals. He led the team with 246 shots.

"He's happy to stay in Florida," said Booth's agent, Mike Liut. "They have a young team that they're building toward something. You want to be a part of that."

Booth, who has been invited to attend USA Hockey's Olympic orientation camp next month, remains part of a hockey club that hasn't won a playoff series since 1996 or a playoff game since 1997. Florida's third choice (53rd overall) in the 2004 draft, Booth has 56 goals and 54 assists in his 193 NHL games.

"David is coming off a career-best season and he is undoubtedly an important part of our club's future. ... Through his hard work, commitment and passion for the game, he has become a role model for other players, as well as a fan favorite," Panthers assistant general manager Randy Sexton said in a statement.

Also on Wednesday, the Panthers announced that right wing Radek Dvorak has agreed to terms on a two-year deal. Dvorak, 32, had 15 goals and 21 assists during the 2008-09 season.

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