Panthers sign veteran goalie Tim Thomas to one- year deal.

Onthe eve of the Panthers changing ownership in the hope of securing a brighter future, they took a huge step in improving the present by signing two- time Vezinawinning goalie Tim Thomas to a one- year deal.

Thomas, 39, who came into training camp on a professional tryout ( PTO) basis after taking last season off to relocate his passion for hockey, started Thursday night against the Lightning in Germain Arena, home of the Florida Everblades ( ECHL), about90mileswest across Alligator Alley from theBB& TCenter.

In his first game action in 17 months, Thomas gave up one power- play goal while notching nine saves, including a sterling pad save to thwart a Martin St Louis breakaway, in 11⁄ periods of work before being replaced by JacobMarkstrom.

“That got my confidence up and made me feel good about being in the game,’’ said Thomas, who didn’t know he was playing until 105 minutes before game time. “When you see Marty coming in on a breakaway, that’s an, ‘ Oh, no.’ It helped metransition into the game.

“I feel ready now [ for opening night].’’

Thomas, whose PTO expired onWednesday, will receiveanincentiveladencontract starting at $ 2.5 million.

“I lovewatchinghimpractice every day,’’ Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon said before thegame. “He battles on every shot. It’s great for the team, great for him, great for our goalies to watch him how he works and prepares. You could see why he’s a champion.’’

Wearing jersey No. 34, Thomaswasn’t the onlyPanther making a delayed preseason debut. Forwards Jonathan Huberdeau and Kris Versteegshookoffmorethan five months of rust each after recovering from hip and ACL surgery, respectively.

Huberdeau, 20, who scored a goal on his first shot in his first NHL game en route to winning the franchise’s only Calder Trophy last season, scored two powerplay goals to stake Florida to a 2- 0 lead, but theywould eventually lose 3- 2 in overtime.

Defensemen Brian Campbell and Tom Gilbert, who’s on aPTO, assisted on both.

The Panthers were last in the NHL last season and last in goals allowed, so they chose not to re- sign freeagent goalie Jose Theodore. Backup Scott Clemmensen, 36, is in the final year of his contract and is coming off a poor, injury- plagued season. He underwent another knee procedure before training camp began and is expected to start the season on injured reserve.

Markstrom, 23, the longtime projected goalie of the future, may have to wait another year or two before taking over the Panthers’ net. Tallon believes the four- time All- Star and Conn Smythe winner after leading the Bruins to a Stanley Cup title in 2011 could serve as a mentor to the 6- foot- 6 Swede through examples of his ferociouswork ethic.

Markstrom, who was 8- 14- 1 with a 3.12 GAA last season, is on a two- way deal, so the Panthers have the cost- saving option to send him downto the AHL.

“Lessons learned,’’ Tallon said of Markstrom. “He’s a good young goalie. We’re not givinguponhimat all. Thisis good for everybody involved.’’

Etc…

defenseman cleared waivers and headed to San Antonio.…

Former

Veteran Panthers center

a two- time Stanley Cup champion, was on hand after being hired to be a pro scout.