Florida Panthers waive Tobias Bjornfot, Louis Domingue in cap-clearing move before trade deadline

Bjornfot is 24, a 2019 first rounder, 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Kings, and he carries a $775,000 cap hit on a two way deal that pays $450,000 in the minors.

That is classic roster math, not a panic button, but it is still a loud signal with the deadline right here.

Domingue is 33, drafted in 2010, fifth round, 138th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes, and Florida just signed him Tuesday to a one year, two way contract for the rest of 2025-26.

He is also a former Penguin and Canuck, the kind of veteran you stash for a bad week between the pipes.

If Bjornfot clears, Charlotte gets a steady left shot who can defend the line and keep breakouts simple.

His 2025-26 line is 2-1-3 in 11 NHL games, plus 1-6-7 in 22 AHL games, so the offense is not driving the decision.

This feels like Florida protecting flexibility, not talent, because every extra contract and recall matters in March.

Panthers fans have that familiar "we trust the machine, but it still hurts" vibe when a first round pedigree gets treated like a paper move.

Domingue being waived right after signing screams "assignment," so Florida can keep goalie depth without burning an NHL roster spot.

If he clears, the Panthers can call him up fast if the starter needs a breather or the backup tweaked something in practice.

For the next game, this is about clean exits and calm minutes, not power play flash.

For the deadline, it is another reminder that contenders win the boring cap battles before they win the loud trade ones.

Also read on HockeyUnplugged :
NHL trade deadline hit by new playoff cap rules, GMs call rollout bush league