Florida Panthers sign goaltender Ludovic Waeber to one-year deal

The Florida Panthers have signed 26-year-old goaltender Ludovic Waeber to a one-year, entry-level contract.

Swiss-based outlet Watson first reported the link between the two parties back on May 12.

Waeber, who went undrafted in the NHL, spent the past three years with the Lions, serving as starter in the first two years. Waeber shared the net with Czech goaltender Simon Hrubec, who took over as the No. 1 and ultimately took over as the starter. Waeber posted an 8-9-1 record with two shutouts and a .914 save percentage in 19 games.

Waeber has been especially good during the NL playoffs, recording a .935 save percentage over 19 games, and leading the 2021 postseason with three shutouts. He’s an athletic, quick goaltender standing at 6-foot-1. His ability to handle pucks through traffic is an asset, and Waeber has a tendency to never give up on a play.

Waeber also has some experience with Switzerland’s national team, playing three games over two World Junior Championships among other levels.

The Panthers currently have two goaltenders signed for next year: Sergei Bobrovsky ($10 million until 2026) and Spencer Knight ($4.5 million until 2026). They also have 22-year-old Mack Guzda on the final year of his entry-level contract, with Guzda expected to be the Charlotte Checkers’ starting goalie in the AHL next season.

Waeber will likely spend the year with the Checkers, giving the team some extra goaltending depth. His age, and extra pro experience, could come up valuable in a pinch next year, although it should take some time to adjust to life and the game in North America – somewhere he has no experience with.

The Panthers currently trail 3-1 in the Stanley Cup final against the Vegas Golden Knights. Game 5 will be Tuesday night at 8:00 PM ET, with Florida hoping to send the series back home for Game 6 on Friday.