Panthers sign Dominic Moore: report

by davetherave on Sun Oct 04, 2009 10:37 pm

Moore, one of the better faceoff men (14th overall in the NHL last year) among remaining affordable UFA two-way centers, has a new home. From the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel today:

Panthers, center Dominic Moore agree to contract
By Steve Gorten/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/October 4, 2009

The Panthers have agreed to a one-year, $1.1 million contract with free agent center Dominic Moore. The signing is expected to be announced by the team Monday.

"He's really excited about it," said Moore's agent, Larry Kelly, who also represents Panthers defenseman Bryan Allen. "He thinks it's a huge opportunity to play for [Coach] Peter DeBoer. DeBoer is one of the brighter guys in the game. It's a perfect fit for Dom."

Kelly said he had been talking with about four teams, including the Panthers, for the past two months, and that DeBoer was a "critical aspect" to Moore's decision.

"These guys will be kindred spirits," Kelly said. "They'll be able to communicate extremely well and Pete will be able to assess what Dom does well and utilize him properly."

The 29-year-old was having a career best season in 2008-09 with the Maple Leafs -- 12 goals, 29 assists in 63 games -- before he was dealt to the Sabres at the trade deadline. He had just one goal and three assists in 18 games for Buffalo as they missed the playoffs.

"People don't realize he broke his wrist three days after joining Buffalo," Kelly said. "He played with it the whole balance of the season and then was in a cast for six weeks after the season. It was just an unfortunate circumstance."

Shoring up the center position was a priority for the Panthers this offseason. Last season, Moore was tied for 14th in the league in faceoff percentage --54.1 percent won. Weiss led the Panthers at 50.9 percent. "I think Dom brings so much to the table for them," Kelly said. "He's so smart. He's a great penalty killer. He's an outstanding forechecker. …He's got a complete game and that's what you're going to see."

Full text of the article here:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-panthers-sign-moore-100409,0,5013198,print.story