Luke Kunin signed a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers to add physicality and depth to the forward group. He will be 28 and brings eight years of NHL experience across four teams. Kunin consistently scores double-digit goals in full seasons and totaled 11 goals and 18 points in 63 games last season. He has played 434 NHL games with 73 goals and 142 points while regularly ranking among team leaders in hits. With Matthew Tkachuk expected to miss time, Kunin projects to a bottom-six role and will strengthen the Panthers' sandpaper forward core. He was selected 15th overall in 2016 and began his career with the Minnesota Wild before stints in Nashville, San Jose and Columbus.
Kunin will turn 28 this season and has played for four different teams over his eight years in the NHL. He's shown that he's not afraid to throw his body around but still holds some offensive upside, scoring double-digit goals every full season he's played since 2019. "Luke is a physical and highly competitive forward who possesses excellent leadership abilities and strong character," Panthers General Manager Bill Zito said in a statement released by the team.
Kunin racked up 11 goals and 18 points in 63 games with the San Jose Sharks last season before he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He's played in 434 NHL games, accumulating 73 goals and 142 points, consistently ranking among team leaders in hits. With Matthew Tkachuk expected to miss some time during the regular season, Kunin will likely slide into a bottom six role and help fortify Florida's forward depth. Kunin actually led all Sharks forwards in hits with 165 in 2023-24, and he finished among Nashville forwards with 223 hits in 2021-22.
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