JUST IN: Panthers sign top rated star to one-year, $795K contract
A well-known figure, complete with his distinctive mask, is returning to South Beach. The Florida Panthers announced on Monday that they have signed goaltender Chris Driedger to a one-year contract worth $795,000, valid through the 2024-25 season.
Chris Driedger returns to #FlaPanthers: 1 x $795K @PuckPedia https://t.co/dCt9vzLYNg
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) July 1, 2024
Chris Driedger has returned to the Florida Panthers following the Toronto Maple Leafs’ signing of former Panthers backup Anthony Stolarz to a two-year contract.
This marks Driedger’s second stint with the Panthers, having previously been with the organization from 2018 to 2021. Originally from Winnipeg, he showcased his ability as a starting NHL goaltender during that time. In the summer of 2021, Driedger was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the NHL Expansion Draft. Over the past three seasons, he split time between Seattle and their AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
During the Kraken’s inaugural season, Driedger played exclusively with them before spending the entire 2022-23 season with the Firebirds. Although he made a few NHL appearances last season, he primarily served as the Firebirds’ top goaltender, leading them to the Calder Cup Final, where they lost to the Hershey Bears for the second consecutive year.
Driedger’s journey to the NHL included brief stints with the Ottawa Senators nearly a decade ago, but he didn’t make his first NHL start until the 2019-20 season. Amid Sergei Bobrovsky’s struggles, Driedger emerged as a key goaltender for the Panthers, notably starting games during their playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In his NHL career spanning 67 appearances, Driedger has compiled a record of 31-24-5 with a 2.45 goals-against average, a .917 save percentage, and five shutouts. In the AHL, he has played 192 games, posting a record of 95-69-15 with a 2.70 GAA, a .913 save percentage, and eight shutouts.