Panthers trade Demers to Coyotes for McGinn

The regular season is just around the corner, but that hasn't stopped the Florida Panthers and Arizona Coyotes from making some last-minute changes.

On Sunday, the Panthers acquired veteran winger Jamie McGinn from the Coyotes in exchange for right-shot defenseman Jason Demers, the clubs confirmed Sunday.

The Panthers will retain 12.5 percent of Demers' salary in the deal, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

The veteran blue-liner is under contract for the next four campaigns at a $4.5-million cap hit, but his salary this season - including a million-dollar bonus - will be $5.4 million.

It's the second hefty player contract signed by former Panthers general manager Tom Rowe that current GM Dale Tallon has shipped out since returning to the position in April.

Tallon sent Reilly Smith - to whom Rowe gave a five-year, $25-million extension in July 2016 - to the Vegas Golden Knights for a fourth-round pick on the day of the expansion draft in June.

McGinn joins the Panthers after one season in Arizona which he tallied 17 points in 72 games. He signed with the Coyotes as a free agent last summer and has two years remaining on his contract which carries a $3.33-million cap hit.

Demers spent just one season in Florida after signing with the team last summer. In 81 games with Florida, Demers registered nine goals and 19 assists.

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