Sandis Vilmanis moves up as Panthers seek rebound in Chicago

Sandis Vilmanis practised on Florida’s second line Saturday alongside Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe as the Panthers prepared to visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, Oct. 25. The rookie had been scratched for Thursday’s loss in Pittsburgh. The Panthers’ game preview lists him as expected to return to the lineup.

Coach Paul Maurice said sitting out had given Vilmanis a chance to reset and that he expected an energetic return. Vilmanis has one assist in 10 appearances this season, according to the Panthers’ practice report.

Florida enters the game at United Center with a 5-4-2 record after losing 5-1 at Ottawa and 4-0 at Pittsburgh. Those defeats followed three straight wins in which the Panthers scored 18 goals. Chicago is 3-7-0. The game begins at 3 p.m. ET.

Maurice said Saturday that the recent problems could be corrected within the team’s system. Chicago is the third stop on Florida’s four-game road trip.

Akira Schmid will start in goal for Florida, the club confirmed. Verhaeghe is expected to make his 500th NHL appearance, while Seth Jones is set to play at United Center for the first time since Florida acquired him from Chicago on March 1, 2025.