Panthers Sign Lw Matteau To One-Year Contract

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SUNRISE, Florida (Ticker) -- Stephane Matteau is reuniting with coach Mike Keenan.

The Florida Panthers signed the veteran left wing to a one-year contract with an option for a second on Friday.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

This marks the fourth time in Matteau's 12-year career that he will play for Keenan.

In 1991-92, Matteau helped Keenan and the Chicago Blackhawks reach the Stanley Cup Finals. Two years later, Matteau helped Keenan and the New York Rangers win the Stanley Cup.

Matteau is best known for scoring 4:24 into the second overtime in Game Seven of the 1994 Eastern Conference finals against the New Jersey Devils. The Rangers went on to beat the Vancouver Canucks in seven games in the Stanley Cup Finals for their first championship in 54 years.

The 32-year-old Matteau also played for Keenan in St. Louis in 1996.

"We've had a great history," Keenan said. "Stephane played for me in Chicago as well as in New York and St. Louis and we've had some great success. He's a good, solid NHL player, he's a capable player and we're very happy to have his consistent, solid play."

The 6-4, 220-pound Matteau spent the last five years with the San Jose Sharks. He is best known for shutting down opponents with strong play along the boards and in the corners and is also utilized as a penalty killer.

Last season, Matteau had just seven goals and four assists in 55 games for the Sharks. For his career, Matteau has 140 goals and 168 assists in 796 games.

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