Florida Panthers general manager Jacques Martin made the first of his off-season signings on Monday, re-signing forwards Wade Belak and Kamil Kreps to two-year contract extensions. Belak's deal will be $1.3 million over two years whilst Kreps will receive $1.365 million over two years.

Belak, a tough, physical player who can play both forward and defense, was acquired by the Panthers from the Toronto Maple Leafs at this year’s trade deadline for an eighth round draft pick.

Drafted by the Quebec Nordiques 12th overall in the 1994 Entry Draft, Belak’s bounced from Colorado and Calgary, with various stops with their minor league affiliates before finding a home in Toronto, where he played the last six and a half seasons primarily in the role of enforcer.

As personable as he is tough, the 32-year-old Belak has lasted nearly 10 NHL seasons due to his pugilistic abilities and positive attitude. He also proved to be a decent depth player as well as a fan favorite with the Maple Leafs, which should carry over in Florida.

Kreps, 23, played his first full NHL campaign with the Panthers in 2007-08, posting 25 points in 76 games, finishing the season on the Panthers top line.

While that was in part due to Richard Zednik’s last season neck injury it should in no way detract from Kreps’ performance and improvement this season, which earned positive reviews from Martin and thus his new contract.

It remains to be seen if Kreps will return to the Panthers first line next season but he could easily fit in as a second or third line player. Given his age he still has plenty of time to further his development and solidify a hold on a roster spot.

The housecleaning in Toronto has apparently started, albeit in a small way, as the Maple Leafs have dealt winger/defenseman Wade Belak to the Florida Panthers for a fifth round pick.

Belak is a scrappy player whose physical style and pugilistic ability made him popular with Leafs fans and could made him a valuable asset to a Panthers team that has lacked some physical jam this season.