Panthers Agree To 2-Year Deal With Goaltender Akira Schmid, Avoiding Arbitration Hearing

The Florida Panthers took care of an important piece of business on Friday.With just over a week remaining until their scheduled arbitration hearing, the Panthers and goaltender Akira Schmid came to an agreement on a new two-year contract.The deal comes with an average annual value (AAV) of $2 million, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.Florida and Akira Schmid avoid arbitration2 x $2MAll arbitration cases are now settled— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 24, 2026Florida previously acquired Schmid, a restricted free agent, in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a 2028 third-round pick.He filed for salary arbitration on July 5, and a hearing had been scheduled for Aug. 1.Now both Schmid and Jacob Markstrom, Florida’s new-look goaltending tandem, are signed through the end of the 2027-28 season.LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDACould Panthers Assistant GM Brett Peterson Be In The Running For Red Wings GM Job?On This Date: Panthers Acquire Matthew Tkachuk In Franchise-Altering Blockbuster Trade With CalgaryPanthers Sign Big Defenseman To Two-Way ContractFlorida Panthers Extend Affiliation Partnership With ECHL's Savannah Ghost PiratesPolice Report Provides Details Into Domestic Violence Arrest Of Florida Panthers Equipment ManagerAnton Lundell Named Florida Panthers 2026-27 Breakout CandidatePhoto caption: Dec 11, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltenderAkiraSchmid(40) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Xfinity Mobile Arena. (Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)