The Florida Panthers signed Luke Kunin to a one-year, league-minimum contract worth $775,000 to add forward depth following Matthew Tkachuk's adductor surgery. General manager Bill Zito described Kunin as a physical, competitive forward with leadership and strong character. Kunin was a 2016 first-round pick and has played for Minnesota, Nashville, San Jose and Columbus. He produced 11 goals and 18 points in 63 games this past season and has totaled 73 goals and 142 points across 434 NHL games. Kunin captained the University of Wisconsin and logged 70 points in 69 NCAA games. He will compete for a fourth-line spot.
Originally a first-round selection by the Minnesota Wild in the 2016 NHL Draft, Kunin spent a couple of seasons in the State of Hockey before spending time with the Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets. The Chesterfield, Missouri native spent the 2024-25 season split between California and Ohio. He produced 11 goals and 18 points in 63 games with the Sharks before being traded to the Blue Jackets.
At the conclusion of Columbus' failed push for the postseason, Kunin became an unrestricted free agent. He was one of the better forwards still on the market before signing with the two-time defending champion Panthers. Overall, he's suited up for 434 NHL games, recording 73 goals and 142 points in that span. Before turning professional, he spent two seasons with the University of Wisconsin, where he was the team captain.
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