Panthers acquire rights to Kopecky

The Florida Panthers have three days to convince Tomas Kopecky not to become an unrestricted free agent.   

The NHL team acquired his rights from Chicago on Monday for a seventh-round draft pick.   

Kopecky is due to become a free agent on Friday.   

The 29-year-old forward had 42 points (15-27) in 81 games for the Blackhawks last season while earning $1.2 million US.   

Florida still needs to add more than $20 million in payroll to reach the salary floor next year.