Panthers signed Tikkanen and re-signed Fitzpatrick

MIAMI - Esa Tikkanen won't knock Florida out of the playoffs this season. The Panthers signed the free agent Friday to a three-year deal which calls for Tikkanen to make $1.5 million this season, but with performance incentives that could pay him as much as $6 million over the next three years. Florida also re-signed goaltender Mark Fitzpatrick to a one-year deal. Tikkanen has scored 30 or more goals three times, most recently in 1989-90. He has also won five Stanley Cup rings, four with Edmonton during the 1980s and one with the Rangers in 1994. "He mirrors Claude Lemieux," coach Doug MacLean said. "Good regular seasons and great playoffs." The 28-year-old Fitzpatrick appeared in 30 games last season, posting a 2.36 goals against average and a save percentage of 91.4.

In other news...Ed Jovonovski filmed a PSA on Friday, August 22nd for the Davie Police Department. This was regarding the use of bicycle helmets by children. Eddie has the rather derogitory nickname, which was given to him by some of the Gold Coast staff, of "Special Ed" due to his "outstanding" mental abilities. He was given four lines to memorize, and he lost it!!!! "I CAN'T REMEMBER ALL OF THAT! WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO TO ME HERE??!" :) In the end though, he did GREAT and didn't even resort to the cue cards! The Davie Police would like to use him again in the future. Look for the spot on local TV stations soon!In other news...Ed Jovonovski filmed a PSA on Friday, August 22nd for the Davie Police Department. This was regarding the use of bicycle helmets by children. Eddie has the rather derogitory nickname, which was given to him by some of the Gold Coast staff, of "Special Ed" due to his "outstanding" mental abilities. He was given four lines to memorize, and he lost it!!!! "I CAN'T REMEMBER ALL OF THAT! WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO TO ME HERE??!" :) In the end though, he did GREAT and didn't even resort to the cue cards! The Davie Police would like to use him again in the future. Look for the spot on local TV stations soon!In other news Ed Jovonovski filmed a PSA on Friday, August 22nd for the Davie Police Department. This was regarding the use of bicycle helmets by children. Eddie has the rather derogitory nickname, which was given to him by some of the Gold Coast staff, of "Special Ed" due to his "outstanding" mental abilities. He was given four lines to memorize, and he lost it!!!! "I CAN'T REMEMBER ALL OF THAT! WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO TO ME HERE??!" :) In the end though, he did GREAT and didn't even resort to the cue cards! The Davie Police would like to use him again in the future. Look for the spot on local TV stations soon!

Sadly however, Brian Skrudland, the Panthers first captain, left to join the New York Rangers. I for one will miss is zany ways! Mike Hough as also left for New York, signing a two year free-agent contract with the Islanders. 7th defenseman Per Gustafsson was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for prospect Michael Lankshear. The last year of Martin Straka's contract was bought out. He has since signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team that drafted him in the first place!