SUNRISE, Fla. - Olli Jokinen was pulled off the trading block Thursday when the Florida Panthers signed their captain and top scorer to a multiyear contract extension.

This 2005-06 season handout from the NHL shows Ollie Jokinen. Olli Jokinen was pulled off the trading block Thursday March 9, 2006 when the Florida Panthers signed their captain and top scorer to a multiyear contract extension worth $21 million. (AP Photo/HO, NHL)

Just hours before the NHL trading deadline, Jokinen — who helped lead Finland to a silver medal at the Turin Olympics — agreed to a four-year deal worth $21 million.

"I'm really happy to get the deal done," Jokinen said. "All year I've been saying I wanted to stay here. This team can be a playoff team, even this year. It was an easy choice for me."

Florida also retained center Chris Gratton, who agreed Thursday to a two-year contract extension.

"This sends a message — not only to the players, but also to the fans — about the direction the team is going, and that we've identified key players," coach Jacques Martin said.

The deals could affect the future of star goaltender Roberto Luongo, who and become a restricted free agent after the season. He has said he would consider leaving the Panthers if they weren't serious about building a Stanley Cup contender.

Jokinen leads the Panthers with 29 goals, 37 assists and 66 points — already a career-best for the 27-year-old center. He could've become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

"This is a fantastic day in the history of the franchise, and for Olli and his family," general manager Mike Keenan said. "We were trying desperately to make this happen and to keep the team together and make a run at the playoffs."

The Panthers are in 13th place in the Eastern Conference with 57 points. The top eight make the playoffs.

In the past three seasons, Jokinen has 91 goals and 189 points after managing only 35 goals and 87 points in his first four full years with Los Angeles, the New York Islanders and the Panthers.

Jokinen and Luongo were acquired together from the Islanders on June 24, 2000, when the Panthers sent Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha to New York.

Gratton has 14 goals and 16 assists in 57 games this season and leads the team with 92 penalty minutes. He signed with the Panthers as a free agent last August.

"Chris is a high-character player that we are extremely glad to have return to the Panthers," Keenan said. "He is a hardworking individual that leads by example both on and off the ice."

In 908 games with six teams, Gratton has 500 points — 188 goals, 312 assists.