"I'm really happy, feels real good to have three more years, especially with the Panthers," Forsling said Tuesday. "It's just great to know where you're going to be the next three years."
The 25-year-old defenseman could have been a restricted free agent July 28. He scored NHL career highs in goals (five), assists (12) and points (17) in 43 regular-season games for the Panthers this season after he was claimed off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes on Jan. 9.
"After joining the Panthers in January, Gustav had a career season setting personal records and establishing his defensive game to bolster our blueline," Panthers general manager Bill Zito said. "We are looking forward to watching him continue to develop his game with our club."
Forsling scored 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in 21 games playing with MacKenzie Weegar on Florida's top defense pair after Aaron Ekblad broke his left leg March 28, and two points (one goal, one assist) in a six-game loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup First Round.
"It's weird how quick it can turn out to be and you just have to stay focused and stay ready," Forsling said. "When you get the chance, you have to be ready for it. everything can happen very quick, especially in hockey."
Selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the fifth round (No. 126) of the 2014 NHL Draft, Forsling has scored 44 points (13 goals, 31 assists) in 165 regular-season games for the Panthers and Chicago Blackhawks.
The Panthers
bought out the final two seasons
of
Keith Yandle
's contract Thursday. The 34-year-old defenseman will be able to sign as an unrestricted free agent July 28.
Anthony Duclair
signed a three-year contract
Thursday. The 25-year-old forward could have also been a restricted free agent.
NHL.com staff writer Tracey Myers contributed to this report
