The Florida Panthers recalled defenseman Tobias Bjornfot from the Charlotte Checkers on Tuesday, March 18, after Aaron Ekblad became unavailable because of a suspension and Dmitry Kulikov sustained an upper-body injury.
Kulikov was injured during the Florida Panthers’ loss to the New York Islanders on Sunday. The team expected an update on his status after Wednesday’s practice.
Bjornfot has appeared in nine games with the Florida Panthers over the past two seasons, including eight this season. He was with the team during last year’s run to the Stanley Cup and last played in the NHL during a 2-1 loss at Los Angeles on Jan. 22, recording two hits in 10:47 of ice time.
Tobias Bjornfot Brings NHL and AHL Experience
The 23-year-old defenseman has appeared in 128 NHL games over parts of six seasons. The Los Angeles Kings selected Bjornfot in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft.
Bjornfot has recorded 16 points, including two goals and 14 assists, in 43 American Hockey League games with the Charlotte Checkers this season. He is listed at 6 feet and 200 pounds.
When Bjornfot was on the ice at 5-on-5 this season, the Florida Panthers led 126-66 in shot attempts and 6.15-2.37 in expected goals. In January, Bjornfot discussed the progress in his game since joining the Panthers.
“I bounced around a little bit last year, but I think that helped my game,” Bjornfot said. “I learned lots of new stuff. I watched a lot of hockey last year, and I think that helped.”
The Florida Panthers were leading the Atlantic Division at 41-24-3. They were scheduled to resume their six-game road trip against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Thursday.
Source: Original report