As the dust settled on day two of NHL free agency, the Florida Panthers made a significant move by signing Nate Schmidt to a one-year contract with a cap hit of $800,000. The news, first reported by Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, came as a surprise to many in the hockey world.
Schmidt, a veteran defenseman, brings a wealth of experience to the Panthers’ blue line. With 47 goals and 173 assists in 661 career games, he has proven himself to be a reliable presence on the ice. After being signed as an undrafted free agent by Washington, Schmidt was selected by Vegas in the expansion draft.
His international experience, including representing the United States at the 2022 IIHF World Championships, adds to his value as a player. Although he was recently bought out by Winnipeg, Schmidt still has plenty to offer a team like Florida.
With Brandon Montour departing, the Panthers will look to Schmidt to help solidify their defense. Despite the changes on the blue line, Florida remains a contender in the upcoming season.
“This is a decent low-cost deal for a veteran defenseman,” said one NHL analyst. “If it works out, then he can sign for a longer term with the team. This is a good showcase to show other teams that Schmidt can still be part of a good defensive group.”
With Aaron Ekblad also anchoring the defense, Schmidt won’t be expected to carry a heavy load of minutes. This opportunity in Florida could be the perfect fit for the experienced blueliner to showcase his skills and contribute to a winning team.
As free agency continues to unfold, the signing of Nate Schmidt by the Florida Panthers is sure to make waves in the hockey world. Stay tuned for more updates as teams make moves to shape their rosters for the upcoming season.
