Panthers Acquire Akira Schmid From the Golden Knights

The Florida Panthers have acquired goaltender Akira Schmid from the Vegas Golden Knights. In exchange, the Golden Knights are receiving a third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.

Panthers Get a Goaltender

The Panthers were entering an interesting summer. They already made one big splash by trading for Brady Tkachuk, but there were questions surrounding their goaltending situation. Sergei Bobrovsky is an unrestricted free agent and, despite his age, wants another long-term contract. The Panthers may not want to give him that. As a result, they may very well be looking at other netminders for next season, thus the trade for Schmid.

Regardless if the Panthers are moving on from Bobrovsky, it is unlikely they want to head into next season with Schmid as their starter. The team can still trade for an accomplished starter. Connor Hellebuyck’s name continues to float in trade discussions. Even following the Tkachuk trade, the Panthers could still acquire the 2025 Hart winner. Furthermore, the Panthers could call the St. Louis Blues about Jordan Binnington.

Regardless of who the Panthers bring in to be their starter, it is clear they are looking at Schmid to be their backup option in 2026-27.

Vegas Goalie Room

The Golden Knights entered the summer with a logjam of goaltenders. Playoff hero Carter Hart is under contract for next season. In addition, Adin Hill is under contract through 2031. Carl Lindbom was hanging around the picture as well.

Now that Schmid is gone, their goalie room becomes clear. Hart will likely be penciled in as the starter with Hill as the backup. However, I would not be surprised if head coach Ryan Craig has the two compete for the starting role in training camp. Regardless of who starts, Lindbom will be the “third goalie” who plays in the American Hockey League, but is the first called up, should it be needed.

Schmid’s Career

Schmid played in a career-high 34 games this past season. He posted a career-best 29 wins and two shutouts. The fifth-round pick from 2018 spent two seasons in Vegas, but has played five seasons in the NHL, playing with the New Jersey Devils in his first three seasons.

Stay Tuned!

We are so close to free agency opening. Clearly, the news is coming in already. Trades and signings will be coming before we know it. Be sure to check with The Hockey Writers, where we will aim to provide coverage and analysis during this exciting time of the NHL’s year!