Panthers Reduce Training Camp Roster and Positive News on Rodrigues Injury Scare

SUNRISE — The Panthers made their first big wave of roster cuts on Monday, trimming the training camp roster to 42 members. 

Forwards John Leonard, Aidan McDonough and Ben Steeves and defensemen Marek Alscher, Michael Benning, Evan Nause and Zachary Uens were assigned to the Charlotte Checkers (AHL). Matt Luff was released from his PTO and will report to Charlotte’s camp.

 Junior eligible forwards Hunter St. Martin and Gracyn Sawchyn were also returned to their respective WHL clubs..

Now carrying 42 skaters — 25 forwards, 12 defensemen and five goaltenders — Florida will have two more preseason games and just over a week to get down to a 23-man roster for opening night. 

On Monday night, the Panthers hosted their final home preseason game of the season, losing 3-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

While the result of the game won’t matter, the Panthers had a slight injury scare as forward Evan Rodrigues left the game with 7:54 remaining in the second period and  did not return. 

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said he would think if it was a regular season game, Rodrgiues would have returned. 

Already down a few forwards due to injury this preseason, the positive news on Rodrigues is a sigh of relief for the Panthers.  

The team will head to Tampa on Wednesday for their third preseason game against the Lightning, then to Quebec City where they’ll end exhibition play against the Los Angeles. 

Opening night and the 2024 Stanley Cup banner raising ceremony will be on Oct.8 against the Boston Bruins.