"Getting a jump on the start of free agency, the Panthers locked up former Blackhawks center Tomas Kopecky to a four-year deal worth a reported $12 million Wednesday.

After acquiring the negotiating rights to Kopecky on Monday for a future seventh-round pick, Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon needed to get the deal done before noon Friday or else the rugged Slovak would have become an unrestricted free agent.

Tallon now turns his attention toward re-signing another Tomas – Vokoun, the Panthers' 34-year-old goalie, before he becomes a free agent.

"We're in negotiations with him as we speak and are very hopeful,'' Tallon said.

With just veteran backup goalie Scott Clemmensen on the roster and minor league goalies Jacob Markstrom and Marc Cheverie still a season away, Tallon is trying to lure Vokoun back with his recent signings of Stanley Cup winners such as defenseman Brian Campbell, 32, and Kopecky, 29.

Assistant GM Mike Santos is hopeful that Vokoun might agree to a hometown discount to keep his wife and children in South Florida.

"He's made $30 million the last five years,'' Santos said. "Does he really need to go out and get an extra $500,000?

"For Vokoun, I don't think there's ever been a better time in this organization that looks like we have a chance to win than in the next few years.''

In a weak free-agent class, Vokoun, 34, would be among the top goalies available."