Exciting news just came in for the Florida Panthers as they have secured the services of Rasmus Asplund with a new contract that has everyone talking. Asplund, fresh off celebrating a Stanley Cup victory, has inked a noteworthy one-year extension with the Panthers. The deal is valued at $775,000 in the NHL and $400,000 if he plays in the AHL.
Asplund’s journey with the Panthers began in the 2023-24 season, although he didn’t see any action with the NHL squad. Instead, he showcased his skills with the Panthers’ AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. Over the course of 67 games, the skilled forward from Filipstad, Sweden, impressed with nine goals and 35 assists, amassing a total of 44 points. His performance ranked him second in team scoring, just behind Mackie Samoskevich. Notably, Asplund also contributed a goal during the Checkers’ playoff series against the Hartford Wolf Pack in the Calde Cup Playoffs.
This season marked a departure from Asplund’s usual NHL involvement, having played in the league for the past five consecutive years. His professional career began when he was selected 33rd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2016 NHL Draft. After moving to North America for the 2018-19 season, Asplund spent significant time with the AHL’s Rochester Americans before making his NHL debut. In total, he logged 164 games with the Sabres, where he recorded 18 goals and 31 assists, including a career-best 27 points during the 2021-22 season.
Beyond his NHL achievements, Asplund has also made an impact in the AHL, tallying 22 goals and 84 assists across 178 appearances, with additional playoff contributions. Internationally, he has proudly represented Sweden, captaining Team Sweden at the 2014 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and participating in various IIHF tournaments, including the World Junior Championships and the Men’s World Championship.
With Asplund’s contract secured, the Panthers now have 35 standard player contracts for the upcoming 2024-25 season. As they strategize for the future, Florida’s projected cap space of less than $18 million, as reported by CapFriendly, underscores the team’s careful financial planning amidst ongoing player commitments.
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