Panthers sign Nikita Gusev to one-year, $1M deal

Nikita Gusev is heading to Florida. Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers sign Nikita Gusev to one-year, $1 million deal

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/11/21

The New Jersey Devils placed Nikita Gusev on waivers Saturday for the purpose of terminating his contract. On Sunday, he found a new team.

According to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, the Florida Panthers have signed Gusev to a one-year, $1 million deal:

One year, $1 M https://t.co/Jg2OSLyVOm
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 11, 2021

The move comes after the Panthers acquired defenseman Brandon Montour on Saturday from the Buffalo Sabres.

Gusev joined the Devils from the KHL ahead of the 2019-20 season. In his first NHL season, he notched 44 points (13 goals, 31 assists) in 66 games. The 28-year-old has struggled this season, though, tallying just five points (two goals, three assists) in 20 games.

Adding Gusev is a solid move for the Panthers, who are keeping pace with the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning in the Central Division. Florida is third in the division with a 26-12-4 record and just two points out of first place.

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