Panthers bolster organizational depth

The Panthers continue to add depth to their newly relocated AHL affiliate in Portland, Maine, by re-signing forward Corban Knight and Garrett Wilson to oneyear, two-way contracts.

That said, Wilson, a fourth-round pick by the Panthers in 2009, has played in five games for Florida over the past two seasons with no points. If he has an outstanding training camp the 6-foot-2, hardnosed left wing could make the roster. If not, he would be an early call-up when injuries occur.

Wilson, 24, was second in goals with 23 for the San Antonio Rampage last season. Knight, 24, a fifthround pick by the Panthers in 2009, had 16 goals and 36 points for the Adirondack Flames and Rampage last season. Knight, a 6-foot-2 center, played in two games for the Flames last season and seven the year before when he scored his lone NHL goal.

Hayes signs deal: Former Panthers right wing

Jimmy Hayes, who was traded on July 1 to his hometown Boston Bruins for right wing Reilly Smith signed a three-year deal for $6.9 million.

“This has been a dream come true for me to be able to come home to my hometown, my family and to be able to have this opportunity to win another championship for this city,” Hayes said Tuesday.

Hayes notched a careerhigh 19 goals for the Panthers

last season.

Assistant coach Morris

leaves: Panthers assistant coach Mark Morris left to accept a head-coaching job with the Charlotte Checkers, the Carolina Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate.

Morris, who joined the staff of Panthers coach Gerard Gallant last July after spending eight seasons as head coach of the Manchester Monarchs — the Los Angeles Kings’ AHL affiliate – played a huge role in Florida’s defensive improvement last season.