Forward Kris Versteeg celebrates one of his 26 goals this past season (23 during regular season, three in playoffs) (Getty Images) VERSTEEG HIGHLIGHTS

SUNRISE – Florida Panthers Executive VP & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has agreed to a four-year contract with RW Kris Versteeg.

“Kris played an important role in our club’s success last season and we are pleased to have reached a long-term contract agreement with him,” said Tallon. “He is a skilled player who recorded career highs in goals and points last season, while playing on our top line alongside Stephen Weiss and Tomas Fleischmann. We look forward to his continued offensive production, as well as his off-ice contributions in the South Florida community.”

Versteeg, 26, recorded career bests in goals (23) and points (54) while playing in 71 games for the Panthers last season. He set a Florida franchise record tallying 25 points (11-14-25) in his first 20 games played with the Panthers, including recording his first career hat trick on Nov. 10 at Winnipeg. Versteeg played in all seven of Florida’s post season contests recording three goals with two assists.

For his career in the National Hockey League, the Lethbridge, Alta, native has scored 88 goals with 201 points in 321 career games with Chicago (2007-2010), Toronto (2010-2011), Philadelphia (2010-2011) and Florida (2011-2012). In 57 post season games, he has recorded 14 goals and 37 points, while winning the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010.

Versteeg was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a conditional second round draft pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, as well as a third round selection in the 2012 draft.

The Panthers are set to open the 2012-13 season Oct. 13 against the Tampa Bay Lightning and will raise a Southeast Division Championship banner in a pre-game ceremony. Select lower-bowl season tickets are available for as low as $30 now by calling 954-835-PUCK or clicking to FloridaPanthers.com and single-game tickets will be on sale later this summer.

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