Former NHL enforcer Brian McGrattan has signed for Nottingham Panthers.

The 35-year-old played for Ottawa Senators, Phoenix Coyotes, Calgary Flames and Nashville Predators, racking up 317 appearances. He also has 336 AHL games on his CV.

Panthers’ boss Corey Neilson said: “This is the final piece we’ve been waiting for.

“These things don’t happen overnight – management have been supportive throughout the process and it has paid dividends.

“I think the fans will love this guy. It was a vacancy we weren’t expecting to have to fill, but things happen in sports and problems become opportunities.

“Brian is very eager to get over and meet the guys and the fans.

“We wanted to sign a player with this kind of reputation for the fans – we’ve got our man.”