Former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Luke Kunin has signed with the Florida Panthers on a one-year contract.

Kunin, 27, recorded 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points in 75 games last season with the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets. He was acquired by Columbus at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline as the team pushed to make the playoffs.

He is known as a physical forward who gets in hard on the forecheck and makes life difficult for opponents. Last season, he registered 187 hits, just shy of his career-high of 223 from 2020-21. His style of play should fit well with the Panthers’ bottom six, which is built on a physical, relentless approach that wears down opposing blue lines.

Panthers general manager Bill Zito spoke about the signing in the team’s press release.

“Luke is a physical and highly competitive forward who possesses excellent leadership abilities and strong character.”

Kunin has played eight seasons in the NHL, spending time with the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Sharks, and Blue Jackets. Across 434 career games, he has scored 73 goals and 69 assists for 142 points along with 887 hits.

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