The Florida Panthers have secured the services of Swiss goaltender Akira Schmid on a two‑year contract that runs through the 2027‑28 season, a move that underscores the club’s intent to deepen its goaltending corps.
Schmid, 26, arrives after a stint that saw him split time with the Vegas Golden Knights and the New Jersey Devils, where he compiled a modest but steady record that included three NHL shutouts and a respectable .924 save percentage in playoff action.
General manager Bill Zito praised the addition, noting that Schmid’s blend of size, poise and international experience should provide both stability and a spark for a team eyeing a deeper playoff run.
International Footprint
On the world stage, Schmid has been a mainstay for Switzerland, earning a silver medal at the 2024 IIHF World Championship and representing his country at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano‑Cortina, where he helped the Swiss side reach the podium.
His résumé also features a standout performance in the USHL, where he was crowned Goaltender of the Year in 2020‑21 after posting a 2.01 goals‑against average and a .921 save percentage with the Sioux City Musketeers.
What the Numbers Say
In the just‑concluded 2025‑26 campaign, Schmid appeared in 34 games for Vegas, posting a 16‑10‑6 record, two shutouts and a 2.26 goals‑against average, numbers that suggest he is ready to shoulder a larger workload in Florida.
His playoff pedigree includes a 4‑4 record, a .924 save percentage and two shutouts across ten appearances, indicating that he can handle the pressure of high‑stakes games.
With Schmid now under contract through 2028, the Panthers gain a proven net‑minder who can push the current starter and provide a reliable option should injuries or performance fluctuations arise, a strategic advantage as the franchise looks to translate its regular‑season success into a championship.