Sandis Vilmanis Makes NHL Debut with Florida Panthers Tonight at Ottawa Senators

Sandis Vilmanis Makes NHL Debut with Florida Panthers Tonight at Ottawa Senators

Florida Panthers forward Sandis Vilmanis meets the media before his team plays the host Ottawa Senators on Jan. 10, 2026.

Vilmanis was called up from AHL Charlotte on Friday and the 21-year-old will make his NHL debut tonight.

The Panthers will be without Brad Marchand for the second straight game tonight; he did not play in the third period of Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Paul Maurice said at the time it was out of precaution.

Florida has lost two straight including 6-2 in Montreal on Thursday. The Panthers got a pair of goals from Sam Bennett but nothing else.

Florida continues its six-game roadtrip (0-2) on Saturday against the Sens.

Video Courtesy Florida Panthers / @FlaPanthers / Panthers Vision

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Video Courtesy Florida Panthers / Panther Vision