Panthers Sign Akira Schmid to Two-Year Deal, Avoid Arbitration

The Florida Panthers signed goaltender Akira Schmid to a two-year contract worth $4 million on July 24, according to sportsnet.ca. The deal carries a $2 million cap hit, covers the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons, and wiped out an arbitration hearing that had been scheduled for Aug. 1.

Schmid, 26, and Columbus forward Cole Sillinger were the last of the 15 players who filed for salary arbitration on July 5 to reach agreements. Schmid's Aug. 1 hearing was the final date on the league's arbitration calendar.

The Panthers acquired Schmid earlier in the offseason from the Vegas Golden Knights for a third-round pick in 2028, per sportsnet.ca. He is expected to serve as the primary backup to Jacob Markstrom after Florida completely reshaped its goaltending tandem, with Sergei Bobrovsky leaving for Toronto and Markstrom arriving from New Jersey.

"We are excited to sign Akira for the next two seasons in South Florida," general manager Bill Zito said. "He has the size, athleticism and competitive drive that fits the identity of the Florida Panthers."

Schmid posted a 16-10-6 record last season in 34 appearances with Vegas, including 29 starts, according to sportsnet.ca. He recorded an .893 save percentage and a 2.59 goals-against average, per nhl.com. It was the busiest season of his career, though he was a healthy scratch during Vegas' run to the Stanley Cup Final. He has yet to play a game for Florida.

In playoff action, Schmid has appeared in 10 games over his career with a 4-4 record, a 2.26 goals-against average, and a .924 save percentage, per nhl.com. He has two playoff shutouts.

The contract runs through the 2027-28 season, at which point Schmid will be an unrestricted free agent.