Evgeni Dadonov is back with the Florida Panthers after being out of the NHL for more than five years.
The right wing agreed Saturday on a three-year deal to return to Florida, where he would be the likely candidate to join Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau on the Panthers' top line, replacing Jaromir Jagr.
Dadonov is starting his second stint with the Panthers after being out of the NHL for more than five years. Dadonov appeared in 55 games for Florida between 2010 and 2012, with 10 goals and 10 assists. He's spent the past five seasons in Russia's KHL, with 101 goals and 123 assists in stints with Donbass and St. Petersburg.
"In all the three world championships I've been involved with with Team USA, he's been the best player in the tournament," Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said. "He's a totally different player than when he first came over."
The Panthers also signed veteran Radim Vrbata to a one-year deal. The 36-year-old forward led the Arizona Coyotes in goals (20), assists (35) and points (55) last season.
And with forwards Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith now gone to Vegas, Florida needed to find more scorers.
"Radim is a proven goal scorer who will complement our young centers," Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said. "He's a smart, skilled player and a reliable offensive presence on the power play. We are pleased to have signed Radim and welcome him to South Florida."
Over his last four seasons, Vrbata has registered at least 20 goals three times and amassed 31 goals and a career-best 63 points in 2014-15.
"Dale is excited about this team," Vrbata said. "And so am I."
In addition, the Panthers announced they've agreed on a one-year extension with defenseman Alex Petrovic and a two-year, one-way deal with forward Micheal Haley.
Petrovic had one goal and 13 assists with the Panthers last season. He has appeared in 161 games, all with Florida.
The Panthers have prioritized keeping their defense mostly intact going into next season, something that Tallon and new Florida coach Bob Boughner have been in concert on since Boughner was hired last month.
Haley, 31, recorded a career-high 12 points and 128 penalty minutes in 58 games with the Sharks last season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.