The Florida Panthers are continuing their impressive run of off-season moves, further strengthening their roster with a new agreement.
General Manager Bill Zito officially announced on Friday that the team has reached a one-year contract agreement with forward Luke Kunin. The specific financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
A robust center, Kunin brings nine seasons of NHL experience, having played for the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, and most recently, the Columbus Blue Jackets. Throughout his 434 regular-season games, he has accumulated 142 points, consisting of 73 goals and 69 assists, maintaining an average ice time of 14 minutes and 53 seconds per game.
Beyond his on-ice performance, Kunin is recognized for his significant philanthropic efforts. He was a two-time nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2023 and 2024 while with the Sharks, acknowledging his dedicated foundation work through the Luke Kunin T1D Fund and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Originally from Chesterfield, Missouri, Kunin spent three seasons with the San Jose Sharks before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in March 2025.
He began his NHL career after being selected 15th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft.