What Happened
The Florida Panthers announced the recall of winger Jack Devine from AHL Charlotte on November 8, adding forward depth before their game against Boston. Devine, 23, has nine goals and three assists in 11 appearances with Charlotte this season. The move followed an injury to Sandis Vilmanis on Saturday. Coach Paul Maurice said a doctor has already examined Vilmanis, but a full assessment is not expected until the club returns home.
Key Details
- Devine was a seventh-round pick, 221st overall, and spent four seasons at the University of Denver
- He recorded 18 goals and 25 assists in 63 games with Charlotte in 2025-26
- Devine played six games with Florida earlier in the season without registering a point
- He has nine goals and three assists through 11 games with Charlotte this season
- Florida had an open roster spot, so no corresponding move was needed
- Paul Maurice said Vilmanis's injury will likely not be fully assessed until the team is home
What It Means
With an open roster spot available, Florida did not need to remove anyone to add Devine. He gives the Panthers a spare forward while the club waits on a diagnosis for Vilmanis, and his scoring start in the AHL made him the short-term fill-in. How long Devine stays in the NHL depends on the severity of Vilmanis's injury.
What's Next
Florida finishes its road trip Tuesday in Columbus, after which the team expects a fuller assessment of Vilmanis's injury. According to Pro Hockey Rumors, the Panthers could then reassess who fills the reserve forward role.