The Florida Panthers have agreed to terms with veteran forward Zac Dalpe on a two-year, two-way contract extension, the team announced Monday morning. CapFriendly reports Dalpe will earn the league minimum $775,000 each season, with $400,000 in minors salary in 2023-24 and $350,000 in 2024-25. He’s guaranteed $400,000 in the second year of the deal.
The extension keeps him a Panther until the summer of 2025 when he’ll become an unrestricted free agent. Dalpe, 33, has suited up in 14 NHL games for Florida this season, his highest total since he played 21 games with the Buffalo Sabres in 2014-15.
A 2008 second-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes, Dalpe has never carved out a lengthy full-time NHL career. He’s become one of the most recognizable names in the minors, however, and he’s become one of the highest-scoring players in Charlotte Checkers history, given they are Florida’s current AHL affiliate and the former affiliate of the Hurricanes.
Dalpe has been Charlotte’s captain for the past two seasons, and he’ll likely hold that title for the duration of his contract. With 14 AHL seasons and nearly 500 games under his belt, Dalpe is a valuable presence to developing Panthers making their way through Charlotte.
In the big leagues this season, Dalpe has scored two goals and two assists. He’s added 18 goals and 13 assists for 31 points in 41 games with Charlotte, sitting among the team’s points-per-game leaders.
General manager Bill Zito gave the following statement on Dalpe’s extension:
Zac is a natural leader and his impact on our franchise is felt on and off the ice. A high-character athlete and relentlessly competitive forward, we are grateful for his continued dedication to our organization.