June 16, 200620 yr SUNRISE, Florida (Ticker) - The Florida Panthers joined the trend of bringing in players from Europe on Thursday, agreeing to terms with left wing Ville Peltonen on a contract. Terms were not disclosed. On Wednesday, three former NHLers playing overseas returned, including right wing Tommi Santala, who was acquired by the Vancouver Canucks from the Atlanta Thrashers after spending the 2005-06 season in his native Finland. Also, center Eric Perrin - a member of Tampa Bay's Stanley Cup championship team in 2004 - signed a one-year deal with the Lightning and defenseman Petteri Nummelin was traded by Atlanta to the Minnesota Wild. Both had been playing in Switzerland. Peltonen has not played in the NHL since 2000-01, when he recorded three goals and an assist in 23 games with the Nashville Predators. The 33-year-old Finn went on to spend two seasons in his homeland with Jokerit Helsinki before playing the past three campaigns with Lugano of the Swiss Elite League. "Peltonen is an experienced forward who is capable of contributing to our club both offensively and defensively," Panthers general manager Mike Keenan said. "He has been a valuable player in the European Elite Leagues and we look forward to his contributions to our team." A teammate of Florida captain Olli Jokinen on Finland's silver medal-winning team at the Winter Olympics this past February, Peltonen also represented his country in the 1994 and 1998 Winter Games. He also has played in two World Cup of Hockey tournaments and nine World Championships. Selected by San Jose in the third round of the 1993 draft, Peltonen has collected 18 goals and 42 assists in 175 games with the Sharks and Predators. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=168876&hubname=nhl
June 16, 200620 yr If Olli wanted it, I'm all for it. He's the captain and is going to lead the cats to the playoffs.
June 16, 200620 yr Author If Olli wanted it, I'm all for it. He's the captain and is going to lead the cats to the Stanley Cup. fixed.
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