The Nottingham Panthers are happy to confirm defenceman Mike Caruso has returned for the second season of his two-year contract.
The 34-year-old made 51 appearances for the Panthers in all competitions last season following his arrival from HC Pustertal.
Caruso, who selected in the fourth round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by Florida Panthers, was named as The Nottingham Panthers’ Most Valuable Player last season.
The blueliner played twice in the NHL for Florida in 2012-13 and has over 350 games to his name in the AHL, as well as extensive experience in Europe.
Caruso said: “I am thrilled to be back as I really enjoyed my time in Nottingham last season.
“I feel like we have some unfinished business so I am very much looking forward to returning and doing everything we can to get this team back on the winning track.
“Nottingham is a very family-friendly place. We love where we live, the city and the people were very welcoming. In the terms of places I have been in the past 15 years, Nottingham is one of my favourites.
“We want to get this team back to winning ways and win trophies, as that is my main goal in this last stage of my career. There is so much potential for this organisation.”
Panthers Head Coach, Jonathan Paredes, said: “Mike is a very experienced player and that’s important for us on and off the ice.
“His track record speaks for itself and Mike has played in some of the best leagues in the world. He not only brings his experience on the ice but his leadership in the room is vital too.”