SUNRISE, FLA. — The Florida Panthers locked up one of their top young players to a long-term contract Monday when they agreed to terms on a six-year contract with winger Rostislav Olesz.
Olesz had 26 points (14-12) in 56 games last season. The 22-year-old Czech native has recorded 77 points (33-44) in 190 career regular-season games.
"Rostislav is a very talented young player who we are pleased to have agreed to a long-term deal with," Panthers GM Jacques Martin said in a release. "He is a strong skater with a tremendous upside who plays well at both ends of the ice and on special teams."
The Panthers selected Olesz with the seventh overall pick in the 2004 NHL entry draft.
"Since being drafted in 2004, Rostislav has show consistent improvement while demonstrating a willingness to become a more complete player," Martin said. "We look forward to his continued contributions to our club."
Olesz, a six-foot-one, 207-pound winger, competed for the Czech Republic at the 2006 Olympics and the 2007 world hockey championship.
