Coyotes acquire D Demers from Panthers for McGinn

Sep 18, 2017 - 5:42 PM The Arizona Coyotes acquired defenseman Jason Demers from the Florida Panthers in exchange for forward Jamie McGinn on Sunday.

The 6-foot, 201-pound Demers registered nine goals and 19 assists with the Panthers last season. He ranked second among Florida defensemen in points and goals and his nine goals were a career high. Demers also finished with 106 hits and 90 blocked shots.

"We are very pleased to add Jason to our blueline corps," Coyotes general manager John Chayka said. "Jason is a skilled right-handed shot defenseman who moves the puck well and has good offensive ability. He will be a great addition to our team."

McGinn, 29, recorded nine goals and eight assists in 72 games with Arizona last season. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder has 100 goals and 84 assists in 522 NHL games for Arizona (2016-17), Anaheim (2016), Buffalo (2015-16), Colorado (2012-2015) and San Jose (2008-12).

"Jamie brings size, skill and grit to our lineup and makes us a tougher team to play against," Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said. "He's played in over 500 NHL games and possesses a strong game on both sides of the puck. Jamie will be a welcome addition to our club as we move forward through training camp and into the season."

Demers was originally drafted in the seventh round by San Jose in 2008. McGinn was also selected by the Sharks in the second round in 2006.