OBSERVER-DISPATCH

Free agent forward Curtis Valk, the Utica Comets' second-leading scorer this past season, was signed Saturday by the Florida Panthers.

On the first day of National Hockey League free agency, the Panthers announced they had signed the 24-year-old Valk to a one-year, entry-level contract.

In his first full American Hockey League season with the Comets, Valk played in 75 games and scored 46 points - including 16 goals and a team-high 30 assists. The 5-foot-6, 166-pound native of Medicine Hat, Alberta, played one game with the Comets in 2014-15 and 12 more with Utica in 2015-16.

Valk has played in 88 AHL games and had 18 goals and 34 assists.

Two other former Utica Comets - left wing Tom Sestito of Rome and defenseman Frank Corrado - were resigned by the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Sestito played 13 NHL games this past season and had two assists and 48 penalty minutes. Also signing Saturday were former Comets Cal O'Reilly (Minnesota Wild) and Joe Cannata (Colorado Avalanche).

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Florida Panthers sign Comets forward Valk - Utica Observer Dispatch