Dalpe has served as captain of the AHL's Charlotte Checkers in each of the past two seasons
The Florida Panthers are hanging on to one of their key organizational players.
On Monday the team announced they had signed forward Zac Dalpe to a two-year extension.
It’s a two-way deal that will keep Dalpe with the club through the 2024-25 season.
The contract is worth $1.55 million, according to PuckPedia.
Dalpe has served as captain of the Charlotte Checkers, Florida’s AHL affiliate, in each of his two years with the club.
Prior to joining the Panthers, Dalpe spent four-plus seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. While there, he was named captain of the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters from 2019-2021.
Now 33 years old, the veteran of 168 NHL games and nearly 500 AHL games has grown into a consistent, reliable professional, someone teammates can turn to, whether it be during games, practices or away from the rink.
“Zac is a natural leader and his impact on our franchise is felt on and off the ice,” Panthers General Manager Bill Zito said in a statement released by the team. “A high-character athlete and relentlessly competitive forward, we are grateful for his continued dedication to our organization.”
The move is also perhaps a sign that an effort is underway to keep some continuity with Florida’s AHL affiliate.
There has been a fair amount of turnover with the Panthers’ AHL teams in recent years, including the two seasons they’ve been in Charlotte, but that didn’t stop head coach Geordie Kinnear and his staff from leading the team to the postseason last year, and the Checkers are well on their way toward another Calder Cup Playoff berth this year.
The best and most consistent AHL clubs are the ones that are well invested in by their NHL affiliates. In the Eastern Conference, the Hershey Bears, Providence Bruins and Toronto Marlies all come to mind.
The extension of Dalpe is a good step in the right direction. Re-signing pending restricted free agent Lucas Carlsson would be another good step.
The ascending 25-year-old defenseman is enjoying a career year and has become a leader among a young D group in Charlotte.
A strong affiliate system and farm program is a key ingredient in becoming a well-rounded hockey franchise.
In the case of the Panthers, who are one of many teams in a separate ownership agreement with their AHL affiliate, it’s a delicate path to navigate.
Florida has invested in its AHL coaching staff to the point of keeping Kinnear and goaltending coach Leo Luongo together since the 2016-17 season.
If a similar strategy is being put into motion regarding a core of veteran players to help nurture Panthers’ prospects while not sacrificing the success of either affiliate, it’s a very good sign toward a well-rounded and well-run franchise.