The Florida Panthers agreed to terms with goaltender Akira Schmid on a two-year contract through the 2027-28 season, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Zito announced July 24, 2026. Schmid, 26, appeared in 34 games with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2025-26, posting a 16-10-6 record and two shutouts. The agreement adds a 6-foot-5, 190-pound goaltender from Bern, Switzerland to the Florida Panthers.
“We are excited to sign Akira for the next two seasons in South Florida. He has the size, athleticism and competitive drive that fits the identity of the Florida Panthers, and we’re looking forward to watching him succeed with our group,” Zito said.
Schmid brings NHL and international experience
Schmid has played in 82 career NHL games over five seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights and New Jersey Devils. He has recorded a 32-28-10 record and three shutouts in those appearances. Schmid also has appeared in 10 Stanley Cup Playoff games, producing a 4-4 record, a .924 save percentage, a 2.26 goals-against average and two shutouts.
Schmid represented Switzerland at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina. He earned a silver medal at the 2024 IIHF World Championship after going 3-0-0 with a .946 save percentage and a 0.86 goals-against average in three tournament games.
USHL background
Schmid played three seasons in the United States Hockey League with the Omaha Lancers and Sioux City Musketeers. He finished his USHL career with a 43-33-4 record, a .918 save percentage and a 2.27 goals-against average. The New Jersey Devils selected him in the fifth round, 136th overall, of the 2018 NHL Draft.
Schmid was named USHL Goaltender of the Year in 2020-21 after leading the league with a 2.01 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage with Sioux City. He also led the USHL in save percentage in 2018-19, posting a .926 mark with Omaha.
The Florida Panthers’ 2026-27 preseason schedule includes a game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sept. 20 and a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sept. 26. The venues for those games were not provided in the announcement.
Source: Original report