The Florida Panthers announced on Tuesday that they have inked defenseman Casey Fitzgerald to a one‑year, two‑way contract for the upcoming 2026‑27 season.
General Manager Bill Zito highlighted the move as a key addition to the roster, emphasizing the blend of experience and versatility Fitzgerald brings to the blue line.
A Player With Proven Versatility
Over his career he has appeared in 63 NHL games for both the Panthers and the Buffalo Sabres, contributing nine assists while logging 285 AHL contests that have yielded 99 points.
Last season he recorded 23 points in 71 games with the Hartford Wolfpack, showcasing his ability to generate offense from the back end.
International Success
Fitzgerald’s résumé includes gold medals with the U.S. national team at the 2017 IIHF U20 World Junior Championship, the 2015 World U18 Championship and the 2014 World U17 Hockey Challenge, underscoring his pedigree on the international stage.
He also excelled at Boston College, where he captained the Eagles in his junior and senior years and earned spots on the Hockey East All‑Rookie Team and the Hockey East Second All‑Star Team.
Drafted in the third round of the 2016 NHL Draft by Buffalo, Fitzgerald now looks to translate his collegiate leadership and overseas triumphs into a Panthers uniform as the club aims to contend for a playoff berth.