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 means Schmid will not go to arbitration.

Schmid, 26, was the last player in the NHL with a pending arbitration case.

Florida got Schmid from the Vegas Golden Knights earlier this offseason in exchange for a 2028 third-round pick, sportsnet.ca reported. Schmid is expected to be the main backup to Jacob Markstrom now that the Panthers have rebuilt their goaltending pair.

"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. 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.