Fitzgerald was a third-round pick of the Sabres in 2016 and was claimed off waivers by the Panthers in 2023 and played just four NHL games with the club. He spent all of last year in the AHL, collecting 21 points (4G / 17A) in 69 games. He'll almost certainly start 2025 in the AHL.
Fitzgerald had three assists, 13 SOG, four PIMs and a -2 plus/minus through 27 games with both Buffalo and Florida in 2022-23 and has signed a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 with the Panthers. The 26-year-old defenseman was acquired off waivers from Buffalo in 2022-23 and has nine assists and a -21 plus/minus through 63 career NHL games.
Fitzgerald was claimed off of waivers from Buffalo in January where he had three assists, 12 SOG and four PIMs across 23 games and will make his Florida Panthers debut Tuesday. The 26-year-old will represent his second NHL team in his second NHL season.
Fitzgerald was a third-round pick in 2016 and has picked up three assists in 23 games with the Sabres this season. In total, he has nine assists in 59 career NHL games. Fitzgerald will likely replace Matt Kiersted to serve as the Panthers' No.7 defenseman.
Fitzgerald has not played since December 4th but will be back in the Sabres' lineup Friday. The 25-year-old has one assist, 10 SOG and a -4 plus/minus through 17 games played this season.
Jacob Bryson was added to the COVID-19 protocol list this morning, so he'll suit up for his second straight game on Wednesday. Fitzgerald had one assist and two shots on goal in 16:42 TOI in Pittsburgh on December 17th.
