Vegas Golden Knights Lose Forward Cole Schwindt on Waivers to Atlantic Division Team

The Vegas Golden Knights tried to sneak forward Cole Schwindt through waivers this week, but instead, have lost the former third-round pick to the Florida Panthers.

We have claimed forward Cole Schwindt off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights.

📝 » https://t.co/7LtOSJh0R7 pic.twitter.com/osCtpGvUA5
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) October 3, 2025

The Panthers had drafted Schwindt with the 81st overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. He got into just three games with them in the 2021-22 season. That summer, the Cats traded Schwindt as part of the Matthew Tkachuk blockbuster, also sending Jonathan Huberdeau and Mackenzie Weegar to Calgary. Now, Schwindt has come full circle, returning to Sunrise.

“Cole is a versatile forward whose style of play we are familiar with,” said Zito. “We are pleased to have him back in our organization.”

The 24-year-old played 42 games last season for Vegas, notching his first eight points in the league while averaging 9:15 of ice time.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound forward has played a total of 49 NHL games.

Schwindt has 110 points in 218 American Hockey League games split between the Calgary Wranglers, Charlotte Checkers, and Syracuse Crunch.

With the injuries piling up for the Panthers, acquiring a right-shot center/forward like Schwindt for some depth was a no-brainer, particularly given their familiarity with the player. He's a strong defensive forward and a good face-off man.