The Florida Panthers have signed Shawn Thornton to a one-year contract extension.

“We are pleased to have Shawn return for another season,” Panthers chairman Vinnie Viola wrote in a release Thursday.

“Shawn is the embodiment of the selfless, team-first culture we are trying to create on and off the ice with the Florida Panthers and has made himself an important part of the South Florida community. We look forward to having this man of character as a leader within our organization for many years to come.”

The 38-year-old winger was a pending unrestricted free agent with a cap hit of $1.2 million in 2015-16.

Thornton has three points and 50 penalty minutes in his second campaign with the Panthers after spending seven seasons with the Boston Bruins.

"Shawn is a highly respected and hardworking member of our hockey club, both on and off the ice,” Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said. “His experience and leadership have made a positive impact on our locker room and on our young players as they continue their development.”

Thornton spent his first three NHL seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and one more with the Anaheim Ducks before joining the Bruins.

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