The Florida Panthers have added depth to their blue line, signing defenseman Tobias Bjornfot to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal offers the 23-year-old Swede an opportunity to reestablish himself at the NHL level while also providing the Panthers with flexibility between their NHL and AHL rosters.
Bjornfot, a first-round pick (22nd overall) by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2019 NHL Draft, brings a mix of youth and experience to Florida’s defensive group. Though he has yet to fully establish himself as a regular in the NHL, he has shown promise in limited action. Bjornfot has appeared in 119 NHL games to date, recording a goal and 14 assists. His strongest asset has been his skating and positional awareness, often drawing praise for his mature, steady presence on the ice.
The two-way nature of the contract means Bjornfot can be assigned to the AHL without having to clear waivers, allowing the Panthers to manage their roster efficiently during the season. He will likely compete for a spot in training camp and serve as a valuable depth option throughout the 2024–25 campaign.
For Bjornfot, this deal represents a fresh start with a team that has built a strong, defensively responsible identity. With Florida coming off a deep playoff run, he enters a competitive environment but also one that could benefit from his left-handed shot and defensive reliability.
Should he earn a full-time role, Bjornfot has a chance to revive the trajectory that once made him a top prospect. For the Panthers, it’s a low-risk signing that could pay dividends as they continue to pursue success in a stacked Eastern Conf
erence.