SUNRISE — The Florida Panthers played their final preseason game Saturday night. That means quite a few players will hit waivers this afternoon.
All NHL teams have to have their opening 23-man rosters set by 5 p.m. on Monday — so, a lot of difficult decisions have to be made around the league.
After Florida’s 3-2 shootout loss to the Lightning on Saturday, that means the to cutdown is now.
Ask any coach about the toughest part of the job, and the likely answer will be to tell a player he did great in training camp but is headed to the AHL.
Performance is, of course, the main criterion for staying but waiver risk also comes into play.
The complicated formula for waiver exemption is a combination of the age at which the player signed his first contract, combined with the number of professional games played.
Last season, the Panthers acquired Donovan Sebrango after he was waived by Ottawa and Florida lost Dmitry Kulikov to injury.
Sebrango played in more games than expected due to the succession of injuries to the defense corps. He certainly impressed.
Yet with the Panthers not only healthy but making offseason additions, Sebrango is No. 9 on the depth chart now, behind Uvis Balinskis and Alexander Petrovic in the battle for the No. 7 defenseman.
Given his exposure last season, there is a possibility he will be lost to waivers.
Balinskis is also waiver eligible, but he has earned his spot on the 23-man roster.
Mikulas Hovorka played a few games on the blueline last season but can be assigned to Charlotte without going through waivers, as is also the case for the several young defenders in camp.
On the other hand, veterans Toby Bjornfot and Petrovic have to clear waivers before being assigned to the AHL.
Bjornfot was one of three players waived by the Panthers on Saturday.
In goal, the Panthers are safe with probable third and fourth goalies Cooper Black and Kirill Gerasimyuk are both waiver exempt.
At forward, Brad Marchand’s injury will open a spot for Sandis Vilmanis to start the season in his place alongside Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen.
Once again, the fourth line will present challenges. It looks like veterans Lars Eller and Garnett Hathaway, who were both acquired for that specific role, are set.
With Jonah Gadjovich still on injured reserve, the competition for the last spot and the two spare forwards has. been intense.
Cole Reinhardt seems to have the inside track on the final fourth line spot. He impressed after he was acquired late last season when Vegas waived him, and has had a good training camp.
He would be subject to waivers and almost certainly lost if the Panthers attempted to send him to the AHL.
GM Bill Zito thought enough of Cole Schwindt to offer him a new two-year, one-way contract which may make it easier for him to slip through waivers. A team would assume the full contract, so players with multi-year deals such as Schwindt and Petrovich may end up in Charlotte.
That leaves a lot of competition for the final roster spot.
Boko Imama was a training camp surprise and will get consideration. He is subject to waivers.
Sam Laffery was a depth signing. He spent a career on the NHL bubble, with six prior teams. His status is uncertain and he would be subject to waivers if sent to the AHL.
Promising youngsters like Gracyn Sawchyn, Jack Devine, and Hunter St. Martin can safely be sent to Charlotte for further development.
Stay tuned: The next few days should be very interesting.
ON DECK: 2026-27 OPENING NIGHT
FLORIDA PANTHERS at CAROLINA HURRICANES
When: Tuesday, 5 p.m.
Where: Lenovo Center; Raleigh, NC
National TV: ESPN; National Streaming: Disney+, Hulu
Radio: WQAM; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM; Streaming: SiriusXM, NHL App
Series Schedule — At Florida: Jan. 21, March 10. At Carolina: Tuesday
Last Regular Season: Panthers Won 2-1
All-Time Regular Season Series: Carolina/Hartford leads 75-50-11, 11 ties
Postseason History: Florida 2-0 (d. Carolina in 2023 ECF in 4; 2025 ECF in 5)
Up Next for the Panthers: Thursday at San Jose Sharks, 10 p.m.