Tomas Kopecky

SUNRISE, Fla. -- The Florida Panthers convinced Tomas Kopecky not to become an unrestricted free agent by agreeing to terms on a $12-million, four-year deal Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos has learned.

The NHL team acquired his rights from Chicago on Monday for a seventh-round draft pick.

The 29-year-old forward had 42 points (15-27) in 81 games for the Blackhawks last season while earning US$1.2 million.

Florida still needs to add more than $20 million in payroll to reach the salary floor next year.

-- With files from Canadian Press