Jan 27, 2020; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New Jersey Devils left wing Nikita Gusev (97) skates with the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
The Florida Panthers and forward Nikita Gusev agreed to a one-year contract for the remainder of the season, the team announced.
Financial terms were not disclosed by the Panthers, however TSN reported the deal is worth $1 million.
“Nikita is a highly skilled and creative forward who plays the game with great speed and playmaking ability,” Panthers general manager Bill Zito said. “He has proven himself to be a tremendous offensive talent throughout his career. We are thrilled for Nikita to join the Panthers and look forward to what he can add to our team.”
Gusev, 28, recorded five points (two goals, three assists) in 20 games this season with New Jersey before being placed on unconditional waivers on April 2. He led the Devils in assists (31) and had 13 goals during the 2019-20 season.
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Prior to playing in the NHL, Gusev played in the Kontinental Hockey League and even earned league MVP honors in 2017-18.
Gusev was also named the Best Forward at the 2018 Olympics. He recorded a tournament-best 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in six games to fuel the Olympic Athletes from Russia’s run to the gold medal.
–Field Level Media