Florida secures key defensive depth and scoring potential from the AHL ranks while parting ways with several prospects ahead of free agency’s high-stakes July 1 opening.
With the first of July quickly approaching, the Florida Panthers are taking care of some needed business.
On Monday, the Panthers announced which of their restricted free agents received qualifying offers.
They were forward Ben Steeves and defenseman Toby Bjornfot and Mikulas Hovorka, all of whom were regulars with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers last season.
Players who did not receive qualifying offers from the Panthers were Cole Schwindt, Donovan Sebrango, Mike Benning, Evan Nause and Wilmer Skoog.
THN Florida previously reported that Florida would not be qualifying Schwindt or Sebrango.
Steeves had a strong season, logging 23 goals and 55 points in 72 games with the Checkers.
For the second straight season, Bjornfot split his time between the Panthers and Checkers.
He played 19 games with Florida, contributing two goals, two assists and two penalty minutes with the Cats, while adding another four goals and 12 points in his 33 games with Charlotte.
Hovorka also spent time in both the AHL and NHL last season.
He made his NHL debut with Florida in February and ultimately skated in four games with the Panthers, picking up his first NHL point, an assist, during an 8-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on the final day of the regular season.
With Charlotte, Hovorka skated in 57 games and accumulated five goals, 18 points and 46 penalty minutes while skating to an impressive plus-23 on-ice rating.
The Panthers are expected to remain busy as the new league year approaches on July 1, as the team still needs a pair of NHL goaltenders and is looking to potentially add another depth piece or two.
Keep an eye on Florida in the trade market with regard to goaltenders.
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Photo caption: Feb 2, 2026; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Tobias Bjornfot (22) shoots the puck against the Buffalo Sabres during the first period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
