Panthers' Horton signed to 6-year deal

The Florida Panthers on Thursday re-signed restricted free agent Nathan Horton to a six-year, $24-million US deal.

One of the most promising young forwards in the league, Horton scored 31 goals and added as many assists while playing in all 82 games for Florida last season, his third in the NHL.

"This is where I wanted to be," Horton said on Thursday. "This is an unbelievable place to play. The guys, the franchise … it’s a great organization. Obviously, I wanted to stay here and be part of this team."

Horton will be paid $3 million next season, with the salary due to climb by $500,000 each succeeding year. A no-trade clause kicks in after the third year.

The 22-year-old Welland, Ont., nativeearned $1.1 million last season. The player's agent is Bobby Orr.

Horton was drafted third overall in the 2003 NHL entry draft, after spending two seasons with the Oshawa Generals,and immediately entered the league as an 18-year-old.

He has tallied 73 goals and 58 assists in 208 NHL games.