"A proven winner and champion, Patric brings a level of competition to our club," said Zito. "He is a talented veteran presence who plays with an edge and we look forward to what he can add to our group."
Hornqvist, 33, appeared in 52 regular season games with Pittsburgh, recording 32 points (17-15-32) and played in four Stanley Cup Qualifier games producing two points (1-1-2).
The native of Sollentuna, Sweden is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion with Pittsburgh (2016, 2017). He scored the Stanley Cup-clinching goal in Game 6 of the Penguins' 2017 Stanley Cup Championship.
Originally selected by the Nashville Predators in the seventh round (230th overall) of the 2005 NHL Draft, Hornqvist has appeared in 770 career NHL regular season games for Pittsburgh (2014-15 to 2019-20) and Nashville (2008-09 to 2013-14), registering 480 points (238-242-480). In the postseason, he has played in 90 career playoff games, amassing 46 points (25-21-46).
Since 2009-10, Hornqvist has scored 236 goals, 152 even-strength goals and 84 power-play goals, the most among Swedish-born NHLers in that span. Of Hornqvist's 12 NHL seasons, he has scored at least 20 goals and notched at least 40 points eight times.
Over Hornqvist's six seasons with the Penguins, he posted over 100 hits five times and led all Penguins forwards in hits twice, including a team-best 227 hits in 2016-17.
Prior to his career in the NHL, Hornqvist played professionally in Sweden. He was named the Elitserien Rookie of the Year in 2006-07 while playing for Djurgardens IF.
On the international stage, Hornqvist won a Gold Medal with Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Championship, scoring two goals over five games. At the 2019 IIHF World Championship, Hornqvist produced 10 points (7-3-10) over eight games for Sweden, including a team-leading seven goals.
"On behalf of the Florida Panthers organization, I would like to thank Mike and Colton for their contributions to the organization over the past several seasons," said Zito. "We wish both them and their families well in all of their future endeavors."
