Florida Agrees to Terms with C Chris Gratton on Two-Year Contract Extension

SUNRISE, FL – Florida Panthers General Manager Mike Keenan announced today that the club has agreed to terms with C Chris Gratton to a two-year contract extension.

Gratton, 30 has played in 57 games with the Panthers this season, placing fifth on the team with 30 points (14-16-30), marking the tenth consecutive season that he has recorded at least 30 points in one year. The Branford, Ontario native recorded his 500th career NHL point with an assist on March 6 against the Atlanta Thrashers. He also paces the Panthers with 92 penalty minutes.

"Chris is a high character player that we are extremely glad to have return to the Panthers," said Keenan. "He is a hard-working individual that leads by example both on and off the ice. He will continue to play an important role in our club's future success."

For his career in the National Hockey League Gratton has played in 908 NHL contests for six different teams (Florida, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Phoenix & Colorado) registering 188 goals with 312 assists and 1,986 penalty minutes. Gratton has recorded more than 40 points six times throughout his 11-year playing career, including back-to-back 62 point seasons (1996-98). He was originally signed by the Panthers as an unrestricted free agent on August 11, 2005.