The Florida Panthers have added another gritty forward to their stable of sandpaper guys. Florida inked forward Luke Kunin to a one-year deal in a move the team confirmed on Friday afternoon. Kunin will turn 28 this season and has played for four different teams over his eight years in the NHL. He’s shown that he’s not afraid to throw his body around but still holds some offensive upside, scoring double-digit goals every full season he’s played since 2019. “Luke is a physical and highly competitive forward who possesses excellent leadership abilities and strong character,” Panthers General Manager Bill Zito said in a statement released by the team. Kunin racked up 11 goals and 18 points in 63 games with the San Jose Sharks last season before he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He’s played in 434 NHL games, accumulating 73 goals and 142 points, consistently ranking among team leaders in hits. With Matthew Tkachuk expected to miss some time during the regular season, Kunin will likely slide into a bottom six role and help fortify Florida’s forward depth. Kunin actually led all Sharks forwards in hits with 165 in 2023-24, and he finished among Nashville forwards with 223 hits in 2021-22. He played the first three seasons of his career with the Minnesota Wild after they selected Kunin 15th overall at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Former Barrie Colts star Aaron Ekblad returns to OHL alma mater with Stanley Cup in tow [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/former-barrie-colts-star-aaron-ekblad-returns-to-ohl-alma-mater-with-stanley-cup-in-tow] Panthers' Sam Bennett and Aleksander Barkov Feature In NHL Network's Rankings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/panthers-sam-bennett-and-aleksander-barkov-feature-in-nhl-network-s-rankings] Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett made sure to visit his grandma on special day with Stanley Cup [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/conn-smythe-winner-sam-bennett-made-sure-to-visit-his-grandma-on-special-day-with-stanley-cup] Panthers Top Front Office Confidence Rankings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/panthers-top-front-office-confidence-rankings] Sam Reinhart shares Stanley Cup, championship ring during special day in hometown of Vancouver [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/sam-reinhart-shares-stanley-cup-championship-ring-during-special-day-in-hometown-of-vancouver] Photo caption: Feb 23, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; San Jose Sharks center Luke Kunin (11) during the face off against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. (Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)
