Thomas, Grant sign with Panthers

Florida Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon announced today the club, parent to the AHL’s Rochester Americans, has agreed to terms with RW Bill Thomas and LW Triston Grant to one year, two-way contracts.

“Bill and Triston are two experienced American Hockey League players who add depth to our organization,” said Tallon. “They both understand the commitment that is necessary to play at the National Hockey League level and will have the opportunity to compete for a spot on our club when training camp opens in September.”

Thomas, 27, played in 33 games with the Springfield Falcons (AHL) last year registering 17 points (5-12-17) and appeared in six games with Lugano (Swiss) scoring two goals with one assist. For his career in the NHL, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound right wing played in 56 games for Phoenix (2005-08) and Pittsburgh (2008-09) scoring 11 goals with nine assists.

The Pittsburgh, Pa., native posted professional career best numbers scoring 24 goals with 28 assists in 75 games played with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL) during the 2007-08 season.

Grant, 26, played in 74 games with the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) last year recording 25 points (12-13-25) and a team leading 236 PIM. The 6-foot-2, 215-poound left wing also appeared in three games with the Nashville Predators.

For his career in the NHL, he has played in 11 games with Nashville (2009-10) and Philadelphia (2006-07) registering one assist and 19 PIM. The Neepawa, Man., native was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2004.