SUNRISE, Fla., July 10 -- The Florida Panthers Tuesday signed free agent defenseman Jeff Norton and swapped centers with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Panthers re-acquired Ryan Johnson along with a sixth-round pick from Tampa Bay for Vaclav Prospal.
Norton, 36, played in 42 games last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks, totaling two goals and 11 assists. He played in 22 games for the Panthers during the 1997-98 and 1998-99 seasons, recording seven assists, before being dealt to San Jose for left wing Alex Hicks and a fifth-round pick.
"Jeff is a veteran left-shot defenseman who will bring a wealth of experience and great speed to our blueline," Panthers assistant general manager Chuck Fletcher said.
A 14-year veteran, Norton has played in 767 NHL games with seven teams.
Johnson, 25, played in 80 games last season with the Lightning, recording seven goals and 14 assists. He played in 77 games with the Panthers from 1997-2000, totaling five goals and 14 assists, before being traded to the Lightning along with left wing Dwayne Hay for center Mike Sillinger.
"Ryan adds speed, energy and grit to our core of forwards," Fletcher said. "His grinding style of play should nicely complement the skill of several of our European players. He is someone who developed through our program and whose character and work ethic are well known to us."
Prospal, 27, was acquired by the Panthers midway through the 2000-01 season from the Ottawa Senators and had four goals and 12 assists in 34 games.
