The Florida Panthers and forward Stephen Weiss reached terms and agreed on a six-year contract extension on Thursday.

Jacques Martin, Panthers general manager and head coach, talked in very appreciative terms about Weiss in a statement on Thursday underlinening the fact that his player is an important part of the core nucleus of offensive talent.

The 24-year-old Weiss was drafted 4th overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Weiss has played 175 career NHL games, scoring 28 goals and 45 assists for 73 points.

The Toronto, Ontario native posted career-highs in goals (20), assists (28), and points (48) this season and was the youngest player in team history to be named an alternate captain.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound forward recorded his first hat trick against the Washington Capitals on January 13, led the Panthers with 10 power-play goals and recorded his 100th career point February 1.

The will receive $1.8 million this season, $2.5 million for 2008-09, and $3 million, $3.2 million, $4 million and $4.1 million the remaining years of the deal, his agent Pat Morris said.

Weiss is the second young forward contracted to a long-term deal by the Panthers this summer, joining 22-year-old right winger Nathan Horton, who also signed a six-year contract on June 21.