The Florida Panthers have locked in forward Sandis Vilmanis with a two‑year contract that will run through the 2027‑28 season. The agreement was confirmed on Tuesday and marks a continued investment in the Latvian prospect who has been steadily rising through the club’s ranks.
A Strategic Move for the Panthers
Vilmanis, a 22‑year‑old native of Riga, was originally selected by Florida in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Draft. Since turning professional, he has split time between the NHL and the AHL, posting 65 points in 109 games for the Charlotte Checkers over the past two seasons. In the most recent 2025‑26 campaign he appeared in 19 games for the Panthers, contributing five points while also serving as a top‑six forward for the Checkers, where he ranked third with 38 points.
Beyond club play, Vilmanis has represented Latvia on the international stage, most recently at the 2026 IIHF World Championship where he tallied 11 points in eight games. He was also recognized as a Top Three player for Latvia at the 2024 U20 World Junior Championship, highlighting his growing impact on the global stage.
General Manager Bill Zito praised the extension, stating that Vilmanis embodies the type of skill and work ethic the organization values. "Sandis has shown he can compete at the highest level and contribute in key moments," Zito said in a statement. "We’re excited to see how he continues to develop and help the Panthers achieve our goals."
The contract extension not only secures a promising talent but also reinforces the Panthers’ commitment to nurturing young European players. As the team looks ahead to the next season, Vilmanis is expected to play a pivotal role in both offensive production and international representation, further cementing his place in the franchise’s long‑term plans.