Florida Panthers bring back AHL standout Lucas Carlsson

The Florida Panthers have brought back defenseman Lucas Carlsson on a one-year, $775,000 deal.

The 25-year-old spent the past two years with the Panthers, recording nine points in 42 games. Carlsson spent most of the season in the AHL, becoming one of the best offensive defenders with 20 goals and 54 points in 61 regular season games. He also had six points in seven playoff games to give the Checkers a fighting chance.

Carlsson also played parts of two seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, recording two assists in 18 games after getting drafted 110th overall in 2016.

The Panthers have been busy signing defensemen, adding Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Mike Reilly and Niko Mikkola. Florida is set to start the season without Aaron Ekblad, a right-handed defender, while Carlsson is the fourth left-handed blueliner signed by the club today.

Florida has $5.237 million in projected cap space with 12 forwards, seven defensemen and two goalies signed.