Mar 6, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA;Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Akira Schmid (40) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Wild at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Mar 6, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA;Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Akira Schmid (40) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Wild at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Following the latest trade on June 29, 2026, Vegas Golden Knights goalie Akira Schmid gave up his golden jersey for a Florida Panthers one.
The Panthers brought in the 26-year-old goalie in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. However, Panthers general manager Bill Zito didn’t seem to have an issue with that, as he praised Schmid.
“Akira is a talented and athletic goaltender who has shown poise in high-pressure moments,” said Zito in a press release for the official team announcement, following the trade. “We are excited to welcome him to our organization.”
Mar 21, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Akira Schmid (40) blocks the shot of Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista (77) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Akira Schmid (40) blocks the shot of Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista (77) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
According to NHL.com,Schmid led Vegas with 16 wins among the team's four goalies last season. The New Jersey Devils’ fifth-round (No. 136) pick of the 2018 NHL Draft is currently 32-28-10 with a 2.66 GAA, .898 save percentage and three shutouts in 82 regular-season games for the Devils and Knights.
Schmid's playoff performance was weaker. Though Vegas extended a qualifying offer Monday ahead of Wednesday's free-agency window, the trade now makes that moot.
But even with all said and done, one question remains. Will Schmid be handed a starter role for the Panthers?
Akira Schmid's Path to the Starter Role
According to FloridaHockeyNow, Panthers’ star Sergei Bobrovsky will most likely be on the free agent list after playing seven seasons, winning two championships, and reaching the Stanley Cup Final thrice with the Panthers.
Even Daniil Tarasov is expected to become a free agent after one season at Florida. With Bobrovsky and Tarasov likely departing, Schmid might inherit the starter role. His postseason experience includes 4-4 with a 2.26 GAA, .924 save percentage and two shutouts in 10 playoff games.
Vegas’ ex-coach, John Tortorella, benched Schmid in the playoffs, but Panthers' coach Paul Maurice may trust him differently. Especially when Schmid does have the portfolio for it.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
Follow NHL Fan Central for more.
Written by
Deblina Roy
Edited by
Kaamna Dwivedi