
NHL free agency reshapes AHL rosters ahead of July 1 deadline
Top contracts and player movements signal how AHL clubs are positioning themselves for competitive depth in the coming season
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Sandis Vilmanis across Hockey.

Top contracts and player movements signal how AHL clubs are positioning themselves for competitive depth in the coming season

The Florida Panthers announced a series of contract extensions that secure key forwards and veterans, adding depth and international experience ahead of the next campaign.

The Florida Panthers announced a two‑year extension for forward Sandis Vilmanis, keeping the 22‑year‑old in the organization through the 2027‑28 season.

The Panthers have most of their roster set, but they must fill two goaltending spots, re-sign restricted free agents and navigate a tight salary cap before the new season begins.

Garnet Hathaway, a Naples native who grew up in New England, is set to wear a Panthers jersey after a trade with the Flyers. The move aligns with GM Bill Zito’s pattern of short‑term fourth‑liner acquisitions and signals upcoming roster reshuffles.

With six selections and no first‑round slot, the Florida Panthers are leveraging deep scouting and community outreach as the 2026 NHL Draft lands in Buffalo, where the Sabres will host the event and fans will be invited to a supply‑drive party.

Dylan Larkin’s full no‑trade clause has revealed a list of potential destinations, from Minnesota to Toronto, each offering distinct assets and storylines.

A look at the recent extensions for Boston’s top defensemen, their career trajectories, and what their future means for the franchise.

Sandis Vilmanis’ recent scoring burst at the IIHF tournament, his NHL debut and the Florida Panthers’ outlook converge with notable advances by Team USA and Finland.

The Panthers are poised for a whirlwind offseason, with contract talks around Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov, trade chatter involving Brady Tkachuk, and a slew of restricted free agents set to be evaluated.

Latvia defeats the United States 4-2 in Zurich, highlighted by Sandis Vilmanis' empty‑net goals, while Switzerland extends its perfect streak.

The United States fell 4-2 to Latvia, with Matthew Tkachuk scoring early and Mathieu Olivier closing the gap in the final minute.

Latvia defeated the United States 4‑2 in Zurich, with key contributions from Haralds Egle, Deniss Smirnovs and Sandis Vilmanis. The win reshapes Group A standings and sets up a crucial double‑header for the Americans.

Latvia edged the United States 4-2 in a tightly contested game at the 2026 IIHF Men's Ice Hockey World Championship, with Sandis Vilmanis and Deniss Smirnovs leading a late surge that reshaped Group A standings.

Latvia defeated the United States 4-2 in a tightly contested match, highlighted by Vilmanis' two empty‑net goals and a pivotal third‑period surge.

Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk is competing in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship, seeking the rare "triple gold" achievement while Team USA faces a pivotal game against Germany.

Florida Panthers players chase a historic triple-gold milestone at the Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland.

Several members of the Florida Panthers are competing in the Ice Hockey World Championships in Switzerland, where Matthew Tkachuk eyes a triple‑gold achievement while teammates represent Finland, Latvia and Czechia.

Latvia’s Sandis Vilmanis and Czechia’s Marek Alscher, recent Call‑ups to the Florida Panthers, have earned places on their national teams for the 2026 IIHF World Championship, set to take place in Fribourg and Zurich from May 15 to May 31.

Five members of the Florida Panthers will represent their countries at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, each bringing distinct international pedigrees and ambitions.

From May 15 to 31, the Swiss cities of Zurich and Fribourg will stage the 2026 IIHF World Championship, featuring 16 teams, NHL stars from Florida and abroad, and a chance for the United States to retain its title.