NHL News: Florida Panthers Sign Luke Kunin

One of the NHL's top remaining unrestricted free agents (UFAs) is off the board, as the Florida Panthers have announced that they have signed Luke Kunin to a one-year contract.

We have agreed to terms with forward Luke Kunin on a one-year contract.

📝 » https://t.co/XifV5fmWy5 pic.twitter.com/ZZHUUvogX2
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) August 22, 2025

Kunin taking this long to find his new home was certainly surprising, as the 27-year-old is exactly the kind of hard-nosed forward that teams love to have in their bottom six. This is especially so when noting that he plays a heavy game and can play both center and on the wing. Furthermore, he is a smart player defensively and works on the penalty kill.

When looking at the gritty style the Panthers play, Kunin should be a great fit on their roster. The 2016 first-round pick should compete for a spot on the Panthers' fourth line and penalty kill after landing this one-year deal.

In 75 games this past season split between the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets, Kunin recorded 11 goals, 18 points, and 187 hits. In 434 career NHL games split between the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Sharks, and Blue Jackets, Kunin has recorded 73 goals, 142 points, 387 penalty minutes, and 887 hits.

Nevertheless, this is a low-risk move for the Panthers. It will be interesting to see how much of an impact Kunin makes for Florida from here.