TheFourthPeriod.com

The Florida Panthers announced Tuesday that the club has signed center Petr Taticek to a three-year deal. As per club policy terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Taticek, 20, was Florida’s second choice (ninth overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He spent training camp with the Panthers, before being assigned to San Antonio on Sept. 21.

“We are very happy to have Petr under contract,” General Manager Rick Dudley said. “After selecting him ninth overall and considering his potential free agent status, it was very important to get him signed and in the fold with the Panthers. Petr has a great future with Florida. He is a big, smart and talented player who fans will enjoy to watch play.”

Last season, the 6’3, 198-pound native of Rakovnik, Czech Rep. ranked third in scoring for Sault Ste. Marie of the OHL with 57 points in 54 games.